Making Plans With Open Hands

James 4:13-17 (ESV)
"Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade an make a profit"--yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.  What is your life?  For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.  Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will love and do this or that,"  As it is, you boast in your arrogance.  All such boasting is evil.  So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."

I am a planner.  I enjoy planning, organizing, and problem solving.  I've learned over the years that the more flexible I can be the less stressed I get.  Recently I've needed something more than flexibility. Flexibility still has a sense of plan and a sense of organization.

I will try to make a plan and honestly the next day so many things happen I have to completely change my plan.  Now these aren't just I wanted 2% milk and they only have 1% milk changes.  These are pick up and move to an entirely different location, then a week later, change to another completly different location type of changes.

It is hard when others ask what my plan is.  What is for you next?  In the past I would pull out my index card of planned steps for the next day, week, month, year, etc.  Now, I don't even know where my index cards are! (Actually I just found them.)  My new response has often been "I don't know...but God does."

There are moments of anxiety that come upon me--that is inevitable.  How I am reacting to those emotions and life struggles is what I want to encourage.

First,  I don't talk to others right away about what is going on.  I just sit on it for a little bit.  I spend a little extra time whether driving or sitting alone to just talk things out in prayer, to be still and listen.

Second, I remind myself (or listen to music or read Scripture) that God knows what is going on.  He sees me and He loves me and everyone else that I come in contact with.  I begin to thank God for what I do have.

Third, I open up my hands--figuratively and physically.  None of this is mine--none of it.  I am a mist and I really don't know what is next, but the moment I cling onto things, people, jobs, etc.  as mine--I get myself and my emotions into trouble.  I give praise to God and lift up my voice knowing I can trust Him.  If He gives or takes away...or makes me wait...I can still praise His Name.

Fourth, although my hands are open I still make plans.  I still use wisdom and intelligence.  I still go to others to talk things through and seek advice.  I use these open hands to work where I can and give of my time and talents.  I ask for help, but I also offer help.

Finally, I rest.  Again not only physically but emotionally and spiritually.  I take long deep breaths and let the peace of Jesus that passes understanding fill me.  I get to bed on time and wake up early.  I rest in God's truth.  I put myself in restful environments.  I do my best to make my mind rest (this one is the hardest for me.)

I can still respond to others with anticipated plans, but I often say if God wills...I will do this or that. I am learning to be quick to change and transistion my expectations and desires quickly.  Responding with an attitude that reflects trust in God and a willingness to give up what I'm holding onto.

I am thankful for many examples I see everyday.  Whether it be the baby I'm watching or the birds who are singing-- God has them, and He has you and me!  Keep planning, but be sure to make your plans with open hands.  Those hands after all were made by the One who loves and cares for us most!