Hey Evan, I bet you posted this thinking it was pretty much of a no-brainer, so no explanation was needed. But when I saw the title, "Planning ahead..." I was hoping for more because planning is something I've been struggling with in recent years. It's not that I don't plan - in fact, it's quite the opposite. But what I'm finding is that often the hours spent working out a plan are wasted because there's too much I can't anticipate, and what seems like the perfect solution when I'm planning ends up being all for naught because of those unforeseen factors. So I'm beginning to think that maybe I should give up planning altogether and just listen for inspiration. Following inspiration has much more often led me down a positive path, but it's hard for me because I'm much more comfortable following a clear and definite plan. So I'm wondering, is it possible to combine the two - to plan ahead based on inspiration, perhaps? Or, better yet, to become more cognizant of God's plan so that following inspiration doesn't feel so much like walking around in the dark when I don't know where I'm going? What kind of planning ahead do you do?
Aw yes, planning becomes a burden and a worry when it's matter based. When you're planning is based on material circumstances, hoped for material outcomes, etc., it can be a fearsome experience because you just can't count on worldly factors being consistent and reliable.
The happier and wiser way to plan is according to God's plan. You don't have to know all the material details to make a sound plan. It's the spiritual details that are crucial.
God is an all-knowing, all-wise Mind that makes intelligent, able decisions in any moment of need. When our plan is to listen and follow God's direction of sound moral and spiritual guidance, we constantly make wise choices that sets us up for a better tomorrow.
I had a friend who practiced spiritual planning, and I found it fascinating. If she needed to pack for a vacation, she would make a list of spiritual qualities, and THEN the list of items. If she was looking for a house, same thing ... spiritual qualities first. When I saw her lists they amazed me and I never forgot them.
I am a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science. From an early age I wanted to help others find spiritual healing for the problems they faced. After graduating from Stanford University and working with my dad in the family farming business for five years, I decided my heart was elsewhere. I left the business and went into the full time practice of Christian Science Mind-healing. For over 22 years I have been healing people of pain, suffering and disease through my prayers. I have written dozens of articles on spiritual healing that have been published in magazines and on the Internet. I teach a two week class annually on how to heal through Christian Science, and have a wonderful wife and two teenage children. I hope you stick around and enjoy this blog.
5 comments:
Hey Evan,
I bet you posted this thinking it was pretty much of a no-brainer, so no explanation was needed. But when I saw the title, "Planning ahead..." I was hoping for more because planning is something I've been struggling with in recent years. It's not that I don't plan - in fact, it's quite the opposite. But what I'm finding is that often the hours spent working out a plan are wasted because there's too much I can't anticipate, and what seems like the perfect solution when I'm planning ends up being all for naught because of those unforeseen factors. So I'm beginning to think that maybe I should give up planning altogether and just listen for inspiration. Following inspiration has much more often led me down a positive path, but it's hard for me because I'm much more comfortable following a clear and definite plan. So I'm wondering, is it possible to combine the two - to plan ahead based on inspiration, perhaps? Or, better yet, to become more cognizant of God's plan so that following inspiration doesn't feel so much like walking around in the dark when I don't know where I'm going? What kind of planning ahead do you do?
I have many of the same questions as Ruth posted. I often feel I plan to much, I guess maybe balance is the key..?
Aw yes, planning becomes a burden and a worry when it's matter based. When you're planning is based on material circumstances, hoped for material outcomes, etc., it can be a fearsome experience because you just can't count on worldly factors being consistent and reliable.
The happier and wiser way to plan is according to God's plan. You don't have to know all the material details to make a sound plan. It's the spiritual details that are crucial.
God is an all-knowing, all-wise Mind that makes intelligent, able decisions in any moment of need. When our plan is to listen and follow God's direction of sound moral and spiritual guidance, we constantly make wise choices that sets us up for a better tomorrow.
I had a friend who practiced spiritual planning, and I found it fascinating. If she needed to pack for a vacation, she would make a list of spiritual qualities, and THEN the list of items. If she was looking for a house, same thing ... spiritual qualities first. When I saw her lists they amazed me and I never forgot them.
That is the coolest I've ever heard. Thanks for sharing, anonymous!
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