As we pulled out of Fort Collins on our very first ride, Pastor Mark Orphan imparted one final bit of wisdom:
Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken.
I don’t think he was quoting the Beatitudes, but we’re discovering it’s great advice for operating on the road.
We had a great first week of Rich’s Ride, but nearly everything happened differently than we envisioned. We changed routes, hotels, schedules, eating plans, and even the logistics of moving down the road together.
An observer might conclude that no advance planning occurred, that this is a completely seat-of-the-pants operation. But it’s really the opposite.
Our planning is what allows us to be flexible.
Dwight Eisenhower, the Allied commander during WWII, said, “In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless but planning is indispensible.”
I’m thinking a lot about this because of several conversations we’ve had in the past week. Discussions with organizers for churches, schools, and community groups end with something like, “This is a great project. I KNOW my group would benefit from hearing you speak. I wish we would’ve known a few weeks ago, but we already have things all planned.”
I understand planning. As a teacher, I planned lessons in as much detail as possible. But I tried not to allow my plans to get in the way of a spontaneous learning opportunity.
I wonder if we’re so committed to our own meticulous plans that we preclude any opportunity for God to interrupt. Suppose He offers an unexpected opportunity—are we willing to let him disrupt our schedule? Can we adapt if His timing demands a change in plans?
I’m not claiming that my project is important enough to automatically bring everything else to a standstill. But I’m recalling a conversation with a pastor a few days ago. “We have some really lost folks who’d be inspired by your story,” he said, “but we’ve just started our Fall sermon series.”
I understand. He’s organized and planned all summer. Alterations throw everything into chaos. Following the plan is neater, cleaner, easier.
But I can’t help wondering what might happen if an itinerant preacher named Paul (or Jesus) wandered into our town and asked to address the congregation. Would we tell them to come back after we finished the sermon series?
Planning well is essential. The question, I think, is whether the plans serve us or the other way around.
I think it’s about listening to God as we plan. But it’s also about listening when He nudges us in a different direction than we anticipated.
Have you ever allowed a plan to become your master? Are you willing to plan and then change direction when it’s appropriate?
(This material originally appeared in September, 2011.)
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