Day 16, The Love in a Plan

In 2 Corinthians 9:6, the apostle wrote, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” NIV. He was speaking of preparing in advance a gift to send to the Macedonians who were in need. He was encouraging us to be generous. 

I often am surprised when people are so opposed to taking the time to schedule or plan. They say they like spontaneity or believe that things just don’t work out whenever they plan and so the time and effort is wasted. However, research shows that planning can provide relief from worry, add confidence to a difficult situation, and provide for circumstances that are troublesome. 

When it comes to this habit work we are doing, I want to encourage you to take the time to plan. If you are trying to eat healthier, plan your food for the day when you are not stressed or hungry. If you are trying to break a destructive habit, plan deliberate self-care in order to nurture yourself well and avoid a situation where you are craving release because you were unkind to yourself all day. 

What I’m asking, is that you consider generously donating your time and energy to plan for yourself and your family as you make this habit change. Your body needs nurturing food, water, and rest. Your mind needs mental breaks. Your heart needs time with your savior, family, and friends. Plan for it. Schedule it the way you would schedule a dentist appointment. Seriously. It is one of the most loving things you can do for yourself and those around you while you go through this process. When we plan, we are sowing seeds for success. 

Journal prompt: What could you plan and/or schedule that would set you up for success? When would be a time for you to do that daily or weekly? What do you need to believe in order to follow through with that goal? 

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