We plan, God directs . . .

The alarm rang early. I didn’t want to get up. Chicken to cook. Salad to make. A dash to the grocery store. Pack up for a picnic. My body aches. I don’t want to do Saturday and argued with the morning. Another couple hours sleep kept calling but my feet hit the floor, reluctantly.

Devotions come first. As the Empson salts dissolve in hot water, I opened my Bible and this is the first thing I read:

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6–8)

And Jesus says to me, I sacrificed my life for my enemies and you are having trouble getting out of bed and giving up a little bit of sleep for a family picnic?

How practical is that? Like-cold-water-in-the-face practical. I read on:

Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Romans 5:9–11)

My attitude today ought to be rejoicing not reluctance. I live because God gave me life. I am at peace with God because Jesus gave His life. I can rejoice in Him because even this sin of total selfishness is forgiven. I can also rejoice because God knows that the morning’s schedule is tight and I need time with that to-do list — so His Word to me today is short — and sweet!

^^^^^^^^^^^

Jesus, thank You. You know all things and You are incredible at meeting needs. You put my focus in the right place right off the bat (or right out of the bed) and at the same time give me an extra few minutes to do what needs to be done for this special day with my special family. Grant me grace to encourage them with the same mercy and love that You encourage me. Amen!

Today’s thankful list . . .

Surprising short and practical shout from the Lord, just what I needed.

All done, on time . . . to have changes due to a work emergency and more rain.

Picnics are just as good inside a warm home!

Long afternoon naps.

Football on TV.

Joy from Jesus, even when plans go sideways!