I've always been known as somewhat of a planner. Okay, not just somewhat. I am Type A all the way. (Can I get a shoutout from my organization crazies out there?) From to-do lists to vacation itineraries, you name it! Last year, as soon as I learned the grade and subject I would be teaching, I got to work. I started projects, went shopping for resources, read up on the newest ELAR techniques, and became friends with my future coworkers. In the midst of all of this, I graduated from Texas with 2 degrees, moved out of my Austin house, and said goodbye to the friends who helped me survive college. Definitely a whirlwind, but I already had one foot in the door of room 63!
There is really no telling what to expect when you start a new job. It's funny that in a profession surrounded by lesson plans and calendar planning and test schedules, there is still so much unpredictability. We work hard to make our lesson plans so perfect and detailed that sometimes we forget that things can go South in an instant. Preparation is key, but be careful of over-planning and ignoring what He is trying to share with you or prepare YOU for.
I've been guilty of over-planning far too many times. Using 12 different colored Flair pens isn't as awesome as it seems when your project turns out less than satisfactory. Sometimes our lives can seem this way, too. We work so hard on planning and building up to the main event, that we either forget to enjoy the process or miss out completely. I've had more than a few nights where I stayed up working on something for my classroom longer than I should have, and then I was completely worn down, cranky, and extra sassy the next day. Sometimes, we have to stop and say, "Okay, I've done my part. I need your help now."
We can create all the plans in the world for ourselves, but He writes the most important lesson plan. Sometimes, it's our immediate reaction to ignore His plans and follow our own paths, but does that ever feel like the right thing to do? It's so comforting knowing that He has it in control, but it's harder to accept that when you're the perfectionist/obsessive type that can't stand not knowing what's going to happen next.
When reading up on what the Bible says about planning, I came across Proverbs Chapter 16, and it quickly became one of my new favorite chapters. Solomon is known for being the wisest man that ever lived, and he wrote this book to teach people how to be more like Christ by attaining and applying wisdom. In Proverbs 16:3, the Bible says, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." WHATEVER you do. Not just every once in a while. We can't just talk to Him and seek His advice when we need it most. We have to be in constant contact with Him. And remember, our plans are really His plans. Another version of this verse says "Commit to the world whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." HE! Isn't that comforting? Ask Him to help you commit your planning efforts to align with His.
I want to leave you with Proverbs 16:9. This verse says, "In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." As much as we organize, plan, and prepare, we have to remind ourselves that He is in charge. He has had our plan written for a long time, and it's our job to have faith in that plan.
Relax. Breathe. He's got this.
Through Faith in Him and the Fifth,
Meg