Planning in Pencil

Whether you are a naturally organized planner or more spontaneous, by learning a biblical approach to planning, you can successfully create space for God in your life, which leads to lasting rewards.

Day planners. iPhone apps. Alarm clocks. All of these items reinforce how we manage our time and aim to increase our efficiency. Most of us are taught from a young age that planning ahead and respecting time is important, yet individuals often approach planning in very different ways. While some people tend to go with the flow, others plan their days and structure their lives.

Regardless of your style, how often do you stop to consider the attitude behind your plans—or lack of planning—and how it shapes your life?

Writing in invisible ink

Some of my best friends are the most spontaneous and fun-loving people I’ve ever met. They wake up each day without a “to do” list and can easily make plans on the fly. Most of the time, their approach to life with little planning works fine—except for the times when planning ahead is crucial.

Have you ever tried to read a note that’s written in invisible ink? Even Nancy Drew and the top detectives on CSI would have a hard time decoding these messages.

A shotgun approach to planning can be like writing in invisible ink. King Solomon shared that hasty planning leads to poverty and encouraged us to be diligent in our planning (Proverbs 21:5).

Pass the Wite-Out, please

But there can be a fine line between diligent planning and OOPS—the over-operational planning syndrome! Individuals on this end of the planning spectrum can fall into the OOPS zone and become rigid planners with inflexible attitudes. Instead of writing in invisible ink, they plan out their lives in big, black Sharpie—setting goals in permanent ink and doing everything within their power to make them work, despite the costs or changing circumstances.

As someone known to plan with Sharpie in hand, I’ve learned that there is a big difference between making my plans work and really seeking God’s will and allowing Him to bring His will to pass (Psalm 37:5). While an OOPS-type of permanent planning may create the illusion of control, it can leave little space or time for God to guide and direct one’s life (Proverbs 3:5-6).

When No. 2 becomes No. 1

Instead of planning in invisible or permanent ink, imagine what it would be like to make your plans using a yellow No. 2 pencil with a big pink eraser. When you are planful, yet flexible enough to pencil in your plans with positive intention guided by prayer, you can make God your No. 1 planning partner!

Asking that His will be done through the goals you set out to accomplish, your attitude toward planning shifts as you focus on God. By metaphorically planning in pencil and adapting to new circumstances, we can increase our willingness to erase our own agendas when they get in the way of God’s greater plans for our lives. While the heart of a person plans his way, God is ultimately who establishes his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

A more permanent promise

The same God who designed us as creative people capable of planning and accomplishing amazing things also expects us to seek His will in our lives. As counterintuitive as it sounds, spending time seeking God’s guidance and direction actually saves time!

We should make plans and set goals seeking to have them in alignment with God’s purpose—the only purpose that ultimately will stand (Proverbs 19:21). Being willing to trust in God and allow Him to guide and direct your path shows wisdom and ultimately brings about things that are so much bigger and better than we could ever imagine or plan on our own (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Including God in your plans acknowledges a more permanent promise that produces an even greater reward: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Leslie M. Schwartz is a positive psychology coach, consultant and trainer who works with clients around the world. She attends the Portland, Oregon, congregation of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association.

For more about planning and time management, see:

• No Time to Waste
• Waste It Wisely
• Stuck in a Rut?