Planning, Time Management, and Other Ways We Believe We’re in Control
I’m a planner.
Often, I find myself stuck in my own head, playing a Tetris game of schedule building that perfectly aligns all my job responsibilities, hobbies, meal plans, weekend schedules, future trips, and any other daily life tasks/commitments/ideas that need balancing. Most nights, I’m exhausted looking at my to-do list for the next day, and disappointed at the end of it when I seem to have not made a dent in completing them.
Bluntly, I am so often faced with the fact that I cannot balance it all on my own. In my own self-pity, I’ll find myself in the trap of comparison — feeling sad for myself that “their” life looks better than mine, scrolling social media as a distraction tool, or stuck in a mindset of telling and believing myself what I think I need to feel fulfilled, happy, or cool. Paul reminds us in Ephesians that these seemingly small habits matter. Every area of how we live should matter because our lives matter to God:
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” - Ephesians 5:15-17
Yet, making the most of every opportunity does not mean trying to control every opportunity. We cannot plan our lives away because we are not the authors of them. Ultimately, we don’t even know the best for it. The story God has written over us is not as black and white as we would like it to be, either. It often ebbs and flows from one season to the next.
We will sometimes be certain of our decisions with a clear path ahead, and at other times, we will wrestle with our responses. We will sometimes go to bed satisfied with the day that has just unfolded, comforted by real-life scenarios, and other times wrestle with what played out. We will sometimes completely trust God in unwavering faith, standing firm, and other times send Him questioning prayers in confusion and frustration.
Seasons are busy. Circumstances are tough. Life is hard.
But, there is a reason you are balancing what you are right now, living the reality you are right now, and being called to endure what you are right now. The difference between planning every second of how to handle all of it and planning to live a God-lead life comes down to who you let be in control. So, honestly, who truly is?
Questions To Ask Yourself Today
What season are you in right now?
Why do you think God is teaching you here?
How can you be faithful with what you have?
While most of us wish we could grab coffee with Jesus to talk through all our hardships, celebrate with Him when we’ve had joyful moments, or hear a glimpse into the timeline of our future, He decided to leave us with this truth to cling to (though I do recommend prayer for all of those scenarios!):
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
And so, that, I leave with you.
