Becky put up some outdoor Christmas lights this weekend.
Not a big deal for most folks. But this weekend was also the 33rd anniversary of the day I met two paramedics following a 10-foot fall – while installing outdoor Christmas lights.
This time our neighbor helped. Everyone kept their feet on the ground. We’re not gonna win any decorating contests, but the small evergreen with a few dozen lights makes things a bit more festive.
Honestly, I never quite know what to make of this anniversary. While it’s decidedly not an occasion to celebrate, this year seemed to direct my thoughts toward one particular lesson I’ve learned.
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Once I design something I have this tendency to be absolutely certain about it. And then I take the next step – in my mind, my idea becomes God’s plan.
James says, “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”
Say it – that’s the easy part. Believe and live it – not so much.
When I climbed the ladder 33 years ago, I was sure about how the weekend would go. I’d finish the lights and referee a high school basketball game that evening. Church Sunday morning, grade some papers and watch football, back to school on Monday.
This isn’t about whether my injury was an evil accident or part of God’s plan. I’m simply observing that our notions about tomorrow aren’t guaranteed. We can buy fancy planners and invest in organizing software. We can bring a team of experts on board. We can read scripture and pray and tell God about our fears and hopes and dreams. But the simple fact is, we don’t know how tomorrow will unfold.
At this point I could toss out a bunch of platitudes about gratitude and each moment is precious, but the point’s clear.
Planning is fine, as long as we hold our plans in open hands.
James tells us to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will…” not out of some false sense of self-piousness, but as a simple acknowledgement that we’re not in control of the future.
I had no idea what was about to happen on that morning all those years ago. It’s a story I couldn’t have imagined, one I wouldn’t have chosen.
I still lean toward holding my plans too closely and trying to make things turn out “right.”
I know better, though. I’ll keep trying to my best, and trust God for the outcome.
Rich, I get a lot out the words you take the time to share. Thank you so much. My take is “Words to live by.”