Hey Evan, I bet you posted this thinking it was pretty much of a no-brainer, so no explanation was needed. But when I saw the title, “Planning ahead…” I was hoping for more because planning is something I’ve been struggling with in recent years. It’s not that I don’t plan – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. But what I’m finding is that often the hours spent working out a plan are wasted because there’s too much I can’t anticipate, and what seems like the perfect solution when I’m planning ends up being all for naught because of those unforeseen factors. So I’m beginning to think that maybe I should give up planning altogether and just listen for inspiration. Following inspiration has much more often led me down a positive path, but it’s hard for me because I’m much more comfortable following a clear and definite plan. So I’m wondering, is it possible to combine the two – to plan ahead based on inspiration, perhaps? Or, better yet, to become more cognizant of God’s plan so that following inspiration doesn’t feel so much like walking around in the dark when I don’t know where I’m going? What kind of planning ahead do you do?
Aw yes, planning becomes a burden and a worry when it’s matter based. When you’re planning is based on material circumstances, hoped for material outcomes, etc., it can be a fearsome experience because you just can’t count on worldly factors being consistent and reliable.
The happier and wiser way to plan is according to God’s plan. You don’t have to know all the material details to make a sound plan. It’s the spiritual details that are crucial.
God is an all-knowing, all-wise Mind that makes intelligent, able decisions in any moment of need. When our plan is to listen and follow God’s direction of sound moral and spiritual guidance, we constantly make wise choices that sets us up for a better tomorrow.
I had a friend who practiced spiritual planning, and I found it fascinating. If she needed to pack for a vacation, she would make a list of spiritual qualities, and THEN the list of items. If she was looking for a house, same thing … spiritual qualities first. When I saw her lists they amazed me and I never forgot them.
Hey Evan,
I bet you posted this thinking it was pretty much of a no-brainer, so no explanation was needed. But when I saw the title, “Planning ahead…” I was hoping for more because planning is something I’ve been struggling with in recent years. It’s not that I don’t plan – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. But what I’m finding is that often the hours spent working out a plan are wasted because there’s too much I can’t anticipate, and what seems like the perfect solution when I’m planning ends up being all for naught because of those unforeseen factors. So I’m beginning to think that maybe I should give up planning altogether and just listen for inspiration. Following inspiration has much more often led me down a positive path, but it’s hard for me because I’m much more comfortable following a clear and definite plan. So I’m wondering, is it possible to combine the two – to plan ahead based on inspiration, perhaps? Or, better yet, to become more cognizant of God’s plan so that following inspiration doesn’t feel so much like walking around in the dark when I don’t know where I’m going? What kind of planning ahead do you do?
I have many of the same questions as Ruth posted. I often feel I plan to much, I guess maybe balance is the key..?
Aw yes, planning becomes a burden and a worry when it’s matter based. When you’re planning is based on material circumstances, hoped for material outcomes, etc., it can be a fearsome experience because you just can’t count on worldly factors being consistent and reliable.
The happier and wiser way to plan is according to God’s plan. You don’t have to know all the material details to make a sound plan. It’s the spiritual details that are crucial.
God is an all-knowing, all-wise Mind that makes intelligent, able decisions in any moment of need. When our plan is to listen and follow God’s direction of sound moral and spiritual guidance, we constantly make wise choices that sets us up for a better tomorrow.
I had a friend who practiced spiritual planning, and I found it fascinating. If she needed to pack for a vacation, she would make a list of spiritual qualities, and THEN the list of items. If she was looking for a house, same thing … spiritual qualities first. When I saw her lists they amazed me and I never forgot them.
That is the coolest I’ve ever heard. Thanks for sharing, anonymous!