If the Lord Wills It

You have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears. // James 4:14

I am, and have always been, a planner. I like knowing what the day holds and having clear objectives. I sleep well knowing that my week is planned and all the tasks that would otherwise be floating around in my brain are clearly penciled into in my calendar.

As a mom of four, life is teaching me that even the best plans need to be adjusted, or, in some cases, thrown completely aside. I have noticed a tendency in our family life that when things get super busy, something always seems to happen that leads me to clear the schedule and simply respond in the moment.

Today's First Reading resonates deeply with me because I need to more frequently bring the Lord into my day—to consecrate each day to Him and to surrender much of the control. Living with a spirit of trust and surrender does not mean we should go through life without intentionality or plans; rather, we are to surrender the ultimate control to Him. We leave room for flexibility and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Practically speaking this begins with those words “if the Lord wills it,” which invites Him into the moment. This also leaves room for the Lord to change our plans, which requires us to live with more flexibility. It also provides a greater confidence that what we are able to do is the will of the Lord.

Lent is just around the corner, and it is a time for intentional surrender to the Lord. Perhaps the words “if the Lord wills it” can be incorporated into your daily or weekly planning as you enter into this new season.

Leave room for the Lord to change our plans. // @MaryRuthHackettClick to tweet

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