Friday, September 4, 2009

God is Faithful ... but are His people?

If the above title steps on your toes ... Come on in! Because you (friend) are not here by chance. You have probably heard it said, "we are exhausted not by the things we do but by the things we have left undone." Today, with a new spring in my step, I know it to be true! Allow me to explain ...

A couple of months ago, my husband and I learned our very dear friends had been robbed. It happened shortly after moving away from the comfort and security of friends, and a church family that ABSOLUTELY ADORED THEM, to go to a new city. A city where they were beginning a new church. By the time we heard the news, the stolen property had already been replaced by the insurance company. Loving our friends, we (JOYFULLY!) offered to reimburse their out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the deductible. Our friends were encouraged and so were we! It was a win-win ... until, we paused.

That VERY DAY we sat down to write the check and mail it. Then we started thinking how much fun it would be to give it in person. You see, we had already planned to visit them later that month. Cash, in person, beats a stinky old check in the mail every time... Right? So, it was settled. It was a good plan and we were excited.

However, as plans often do, our plan changed. A series of unexpected circumstances caused us to reschedule. More unexpected circumstances made it necessary to reschedule again. Still more unexpected circumstances ... and delay, delay, delay!

It wasn't long before the gift we so JOYFULLY and ANXIOUSLY wanted to give had become BURDENSOME and STALLED. I was exhausted, exhausted by the plan. Exhausted at the thought of executing the plan. WE NEEDED A NEW PLAN ...

Yesterday, when we could take it no more - - an apology and a check were written, and placed in the mail. Visiting our friends in person is still a good plan, and I will not give up until I get there ... But a "timely" stinky, old check in the mail was the best plan from day one! Trying to execute the wrong plan will FLAT wear you out .... EVERY TIME!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What have you been "putting off" until you can do it your way? Maybe its time for a new plan.

No comments:

Post a Comment