Today's Plan

 

Image: Source not known. A good friend sent this image to me this morning.

TODAY'S PLAN by Gail K. Kachnycz on 3 July 2025

     We are now two months into the house project. Exterior repairs are nearing completion. However, as I explained in the post May 28, there have been problems at almost every stage of the project. My sister, who is a Project Manager and works with these situations on a daily basis, said to expect this. It doesn't make it any easier.

     Completing the exterior work means that interior repairs are next. This increases the urgency of purging the items to be donated or disposed of, and packing & storing those that remain. Imagine the Candy Conveyor Belt scene from "I Love Lucy." "Speed it up!" The task seems so overwhelming that at times I am immobilized and resort to avoidance behaviors & procrastination. Sound familiar? Even if it is not a house repair project, we all have responsibilities that can loom before us and we don't know where to begin to pare them down to manageable tasks. Our congregation is reading through the Gospel of John, and in Chapter 8 I discovered a verse that is helpful.

And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him. John 8:29 NKJV

     First, Jesus reminds us that the Father was with Him. The acronym that is the image for this post includes the reminder to "Dedicate your day to God." Remember to draw close to Him immediately as the day begins.

     Second, and this is what really impressed me: Jesus did not do everything there was to do. He did everything He was told to do by the Father. As we dedicate the day to the Lord, ask Him to guide and instruct us, to set the priorities. That way, the time will be used as the Lord desires and directs. He knows our limits and will not overwhelm us. He gives the example of a "yoke" in Matthew 11. The picture is two animals, yoked together and pulling in tandem. Let us join ourselves to the Lord each morning, acknowledging that as He sets the pace and direction, we can meet the challenges of the day.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV