Fall Is Coming: Planning to Fail?

“I will be calm; I will be mistress of myself.”

Elinor, Sense and Sensibility

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?”

Luke 14:28

The smell of fall coming always energizes me. It’s my favorite time of year, but it also heralds the busy holiday season. I always overestimate what I can get done in a given period of time, and I end up overwhelmed and disappointed that I didn’t get it all done. I plan to fail, but I aspire to do better this year by applying scripture and prayer to planning for the season.

Making Plans

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.

Proverbs 23:4, NIV

I saw the NIV version of this verse and the first part really hit home: “do not wear yourself out to get rich.” Part of my planning includes increasing income because my budget does not balance as it is, and Christmas is coming. So, I am always trying to submit more articles and stories or get another writing project, but I can only do so much in 3 months.

I also make grand plans for a deep cleaning of the house, as well as knitting projects for the holidays. We already have many special events at the yarn shop, plus special events and Christmas cantata practice at church, so I end up wearing myself out. I need a better plan.

Finding Focus

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

Proverbs 15:22

This year I took the time to run some of my ideas by other people to get feedback. I also started earlier with my planning. Usually, I am into October before I realize how little time really exists before Christmas. I often forget that at the shop we need stuff done before Thanksgiving, so this year I made a list of potential projects, and we are planning a staff meeting this month to lay out everything that has to be done through the end of the year.

Many advisers help to keep things real. Early planning also helps, but the main thing is finding what needs to be done versus what we would like to get done. We have to focus on what is needful first, and then see what else can be done in realistic terms. God can do miracles, but He will only do them if it is in His will.

Avoiding Distractions

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

The biggest threat to being overwhelmed is allowing distractions to take me away from what I need to focus on. My To-be-Read pile is enormous, and I suddenly feel urged to read an unrealistic amount in a given time slot. I see a book launch team that I want to join, or other opportunities. I think, “I can do that.” What I need to ask is should I be doing that? God will give us wisdom if we stop to ask before we commit ourselves.

Following Through

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

The place to start is with prayer and time in the Word of God. When I stop to pray about my plans, God will guide me. The key is taking time every day to place my schedule before the Lord and ask what He wants me to do. It’s not easy, and I often forget, but when I do it, things work out for the best.

So, what plans have you made for the coming season? Just remember: the best planning adviser is the Holy Spirit. He’ll never lead you wrong.

Related Posts:

Planning 101: Share the Vision

Planning 101: Courage to Ask