Don't anticipate

I went on the Walk To Emmaus a few years ago. It is a 72-hour Christian leader-building weekend. It was the most wonderful experience. One of the main things I learned during that weekend is to "not anticipate" The team members always say "Do not anticipate, participate". Ok. Whatever.

But I have to tell you that since then, that phrase pops into my head often. I find that this one little phrase, if practiced, can make a huge difference in my attitude. Sometimes, I worry about what is coming next. Frequently when this happens, that phrase pops into my head. For example, I spent a lot of time at work worrying and fretting over having to oversee implementation of some big complex management system that I just knew I'd have to do (because I had to do all the previous ones!) I don't know how many hours of sleep that I lost, certain that upper management wouldn't have a clue what they would be asking so they wouldn't supply adequate expertise and manpower (hu hum - person-power). Well, God is so good that I didn't have to put that system in. I didn't even have to sit in on any of the program steps. God knew that ahead of time. I did not. I worried about it, lost sleep. He did not.

I can name lots of things just like this when my worry was "wasted", but then, isn't it always? Just look at Matthew 6:25-34. Look how many times the word "worry" is used. 6 times! We are not to worry. Worry does nothing to help. Now, I'm not saying I worry a lot but sometimes I do get ahead of myself. I do anticipate. I think my way out of something before I'm even in it. Like how can I work it out so I will not miss Bible Study if I take that job....which by the way hasn't been offered......or for which I haven't even been interviewed! Isn't that a waste of time? To plan for things that haven't even happened yet, or aren't even imminent or likely?

Now I'm not saying we shouldn't plan, but if you read James 4:13-17 you find that planning for tomorrow might just be an arrogant thing to do. So planning, or anticipating, can be arrogant. It might be making improper assumptions. It can get in the way of God's plan for you. Think about it. If you have plans for tomorrow, then you get an urge to deliver a pie to someone coming home from the hospital, will you drop the plans to make the pie and deliver it? If you have plans this evening but someone calls and asks for assistance, will you drop your plans and help? Maybe and maybe not. BUT if you don't have those plans, you might be more apt to be prepared and ready to say yes to those calls to discipleship.

Don't stop planning. Don't stop anticipating. But DO be prepared to change those plans. Watch for areas where anticipating or planning for something are causing stress, or blindness to God's plan and grace.

God, Open my eyes, that I may see Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me; Place in my hands the wonderful key That shall unclasp and set me free. (Refrain) Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready my God, Thy will to see, Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine! Open my ears, that I may hear Voices of truth Thou sendest clear; And while the wave notes fall on my ear, Everything false will disappear. (Refrain) Open my mouth, and let me bear, Gladly the warm truth everywhere; Open my heart and let me prepare Love with Thy children thus to share.(Refrain) Help me not to anticipate but to participate. Amen.

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