Planning...

I am a list maker. I like having things spelled out and the feeling of checking things off my list. I am also a planner/diagrammer. I can make purses, totes, wallets, and such by sketching out what I want on paper and adding measurements. I write out the goals of our homeschool every year and then see how we did at the end of the school year. Once again, checking things off my list. Planning takes work, but accomplishing the goal takes even more work.

I like to let go and let God but sometimes that is misconstrued as laziness. I don't have to do anything because God can do all things. This is where I am getting hung up. I planted the veggies, therefore the harvest is in God's hands. I end up with plants like the one at left and then wonder why my harvest is so poor. Paul's missionary journey was plagued with hard work, persecution, and heartache. His service to God, his obedience to the calling, led to his great harvest. I cannot sit back and expect a harvest with no effort.

So this year, I am going to work harder. I will tend to my garden this year rather than sit back and hope for the best. I long to have a better yard, beautiful flowers, a sanctuary, but am I willing to do more than look at the drawings on the paper? There are times to let go and let God, and there are times when we need to get into the trenches and do some physical work. God is calling me to work for the beauty I desire this year. He is calling me to follow His plans, but I must get off the couch. He is calling me to greater things, but I must be obedient in a new way. It is time to head into the trenches.