I’m a planner by nature.
I like order, lists, and knowing what’s going to happen.
My Myers-Briggs personality type is ISTJ. If you look that up, you’ll see words like:
- organized
- methodical
- logical
- fact-based
Despite a crazy schedule and a house full of energetic kids, my notepads for list making, a variety of productivity iphone apps, and a long list of Google calendars keep me organized and ready to tackle my to-do list for the day.
So it’s no surprise that releasing my {perceived} control over everyday situations is a challenge for me.
If you check out a portrait of an ISTJ, you’ll see the words “The Duty Fulfiller” prominently displayed at the top of the page.
There is no question that I relate my performance, fulfilling all of my self-imposed “duties”, to my value as God’s child.
Here’s the thing though.
It doesn’t matter how much I plan my days, weeks, months, or years, as a Christian, it is God who gives my life value. It is HIS vision for my life that is played out through my actions when I surrender my life to Him, moment by moment.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
I’d do well to remember to defer to God’s plans, not my own, as I seek to live a life full of purpose and meaning.
How about you? Do you struggle like me to remember to seek the Lord as you make plans for your life?
Hi there LeeAnn, when I saw you on the Weekend Brew, I recognized that #fmfparty title! I have just started participating in Five Minute Friday too. I’m a planner too, and yes I can relate to having a hard time
Oops, I guess I hit post comment before finishing. I know what it’s like to have a hard time letting go of our plans. We serve a big God who is in control! His plans are best, aren’t they?
Yes, they really are. It’s taken me a very long time to realize that and I don’t always remember in the moment, but when I do, things go better!
Good morning! I understand being a planner-it’s how I’m wired! I have learned over the years that it really doesn’t matter because God’s plan is always the best and is always perfect even though it very well might not have lined up with our own “to do” list. I will be learning so much about following God’s plan when I retire because my “to do” lists will be so much shorter. Have a blessed weekend with your kiddos!
I’m learning to give myself grace with the “to do” lists and remembering to get the important things done like purposeful time with my kids. The laundry can always wait!
Hi LeeAnn, There are many ways that we try to hang on to control and yet God holds the best for us. It is a daily struggle–and yet we can seek God and rest in his guidance. Have a blessed weekend. I’m visiting from the Weekend Brew.
Hi Carol, thanks for visiting from the Weekend Brew. Yes, we can try to hang onto control in so many areas but you’re right, it’s always better when we defer to God’s plan.
I definitely forget to seek the Lord when planning things. It is so easy to get distracted by my own agenda. Thanks for the reminder. Visiting from FMF =)
My agenda is quite distracting to me too! I have to work to keep it in check for sure.
I try to plan, but often fly by the seat of my pants. I really wish I could plan better, but no matter how hard I try, I never can bring it together,. I really envy those who can. 😉
This is such a great blog! I am constantly having to keep in check my need to control and obsess about planning. It’s not always easy to surrender at all times. I am constantly trying to take my will back. So at these times I just pray for more faith and the courage to overcome any fear that makes me believe that if I don’t take control things will somehow fall apart.
Hi Donna,
Thanks for stopping by the blog. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. Yes, I am definitely in the same boat as far as needing to check my need to control things and have everything planned perfectly. Surrendering my plans to God’s plans for my day is a daily struggle at times! Glad we’re in the struggle together and we continue to grow in faith.