The Campbell-Whites
Declare His glory among the nations…
Writing in Ink
Every year for the past 3 years, my husband has bought a planner for me for Christmas. Before that, I had a big, lovely homeschool planner, but since our children are now seeking higher education, I’ve been able to downsize. It’s kind of like moving from the minivan to the cute, zippy car.
But this year, I told him that I didn’t want a planner. I didn’t see the point. My 2020 planner was filled with penciled in meetings, Work & Witness trips, vacations, celebrations, and visits. In March, I started what would become a pattern of erasing. Month after month, I rubbed out ministry opportunities, team meetings, the performance for the show I’d helped direct at the international school, and my kids’ trips out to see us.
Fortunately, everything was in pencil. There are always last minute adjustments to be made, things change. Be flexible is the missionary motto, but this was getting ridiculous. By June the planner sat empty and neglected in my desk drawer, our joint calendar on the computer now marking the many Zoom meetings that attempted to replace an active life.
This difficult year/season hasn’t really caused me much trauma. I’ve been very fortunate, but in this area, I found myself affected. Although I’ve always known that we need to hold our plans lightly, in open hands, and though I’m not the kind of person who soars on the wings of expectation with hopes high, the empty hands and cessation of activity were foreign. The stillness felt forced and maybe I was bit resentful. I didn’t want to plan. I almost felt like I couldn’t plan. So, no planner for me this year, thank you! I’ll just roll with whatever comes, free-spirit style.
The Proverbs have a several things to say about our planning tendencies: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”(19:21). It can be hard at first to read this verse. Were my cancelled plans part of God’s purpose? Is this all part of God’s plan? No. Instead this verse reminds us that the fulfillment of the Lord’s purpose does not depend on my plans. His work continues and is completed whether what I have planned comes to pass or not.
Proverbs 16:9 reminds me that my plans are not necessarily God’s plans, and that the Lord also has a hand in my planning. It reads, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” I’m so grateful that my steps are determined by the Lord. And I’m grateful that the Holy Spirit guides my heart and mind as I plan my course.
My very sweet husband went ahead and bought me a planner anyway. And I decided that I am going to use it. I will still pencil in meetings and ministry plans, visits and celebrations, but this year I’m also writing in Ink.
This year, I’m writing the Words that never fade or perish in my planner, the Words that direct me in God’s purpose, the Word that establishes my steps. I’m recording the Word of God each day in Ink: God’s promises, character, wisdom, and my prayers based on the Word. I’m inking in the blessings that God has given, and my gratitude.
While my plans will change and fade away, the Word of God will never fade, the promises of God will never fail to come to pass and the purposes of God will prevail. I can confidently record them—in ink.
The Campbell-Whites 
I love the voice of optimism in this! It’s so true, we can make our own plans, but we never know if they will pan out. But God’s plans always prevail. I’m so glad they do! And I’m glad you got a fun new planner to use. 🙂
LikeLike