“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the Lord will prevail”.
Proverbs 19:21
Lists and Planners
What? God’s will is going to ultimately prevail? Not mine? I have this verse on my bathroom mirror. It reminds me daily that I am not in control. God’s will, no matter what he allows, will ultimately prevail. What a lesson to learn. It has been a hard one for me but I am learning. God knows I am a planner. I love to buy a new calendar, a moleskin, and a few fancy pens each year to start my lists. I am not only a planner but a list maker through and through. My lists include:
- pros and cons for decisions I plan to make that year
- future employment choices
- travel destinations
- retirement plans
- books to read
- podcasters to follow
Happy and Organized
Lists are all part of what makes me happy and helps me stay organized. My lists have changed over the years and my goals are no longer what they were when I was 25 but I have learned that sometimes they are only thoughts and ideas. The lists no longer contain classes that I need for a degree…….but instead a goal accomplished. The lists no longer hold the qualities that I am looking for in a spouse…… instead that goal has changed and I found I enjoy my freedom. While some of the goals have changed I continue to write out yearly goals, books to read and mountains to hike.
Technology
Hiking mountains and destinations to explore are now tracked on a laptop and cell phone. I have upgraded to new technology and my lists include Podcasters that I like to follow, calendars that are done on my cell phone and my lists are on an app or an excel spreadsheet; but I still like buying notebooks and pens. Our world of technology has changed so we must adjust to the changes as well. Are you looking for a list of inspiring podcasters or Ted Talk speakers? I can share my lists just email me cindy@mountainstomolehills.com.
While calendars and lists help keep us somewhat on track….. I believed I was in control of my life. I know God is still laughing at that. We cannot control others only how we respond. We do have the ability to make choices for ourselves. But whether good or bad we have to live with the decisions that we make. You know the adage: You made your bed now lie in it. A friend used the phrase but added her mom’s words: But you can get up and change the sheets!
Change Your Sheets
Change your sheets! I love that! Yes! There may be consequences to our decisions and we cannot change the past; Instead we can learn and grow but we must move on. Start that new calendar no matter what month of the year and start fresh. God allows fresh starts: Isaiah 43:19 “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
You might be surprised that while these lists bring some structure and exciting plans, they can also bring disappointments when they are left uncompleted. Use them only as a tool but be open to new opportunities that cause you to pause and perhaps reprioritize your plans.
Proverbs 6:6
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! King Solomon provided so much wisdom in this book of Proverbs. If you have never read the book of Proverbs check it out! It includes wisdom that has been passed down for thousands of years.
New Future
The past couple of years have certainly forced me to look at my future a little differently. Just when I thought I had a plan in place with my finances in check…… Life changed, the market dropped and I no longer felt in control. But I was never really in control. I need to keep my head up, listen to God’s leading and move forward. I will Continue to plan and make my lists, but I will keep pages and lines open for to make the changes that are necessary to live the life He has for me. Finally I have figured out I would rather live my life with Him as the guide but I will be sure to come prepared with my list of thoughts and ideas.
Downsizing and moving to the southwest was one of my goals which God has blessed. I continue to wonder what the next ten years will bring. We all know that our world has changed tremendously over the past couple of years. Along with these changes dreams may change as well but be flexible and open to new adventures. God wants only the BEST for you,
Dashboard List
I have put off keeping a list on my dash board for my daily trip to the office: Phone, Earbuds, Planner, Lunch, Gym Bag and Purse. Really I am only 58 I should be able to remember these few things each day. But somehow I fail a couple of time a month and have to drive halfway home to get at least one of them. I think I will go put that post it on my dashboard.
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