Planning Ahead

Normally by this time of year we are making or have made our Summer plans. This is no normal year. Most of us have no idea what we will be doing in June or July. We have no idea what we will be allowed to do. Most of the planning that we normally do this time of year has become impossible. But there are some things we can still plan and that we ought to plan.

We should plan to worship. We may be able to assemble and worship together, or we may have to continue worshipping at home, but we certainly should be planning to worship. A lot of things are in short supply this year, but I have not heard of any shortage of Bibles or hymnals. If we cannot go out as often as in the past, let’s get our homes set up for worship. To the extent we are able to go out, let’s be sure that we include worshipping together in our plans.

We should plan to honor the Lord in how we deal with inconveniences. This is one area where we may have abundant opportunities! It is certainly possible to honor the Lord when things are going well, but sometimes it is our response to troubles and trials that honors him most.

We should plan to serve others. Again, this is an area where we may have an unusual level of opportunities. Is there a neighbor who is extra susceptible to the virus? Could we not offer to do their shopping for them? Certainly, we could at least phone those who will be extra lonely at this time.

We should plan to pray. The uncertainty of these times should help us to remember that we are not the ones who are really in control. I have not been able to study any more than normal the last few weeks. Study, for me, requires a well-established schedule; and I have not had that. The phone has rung at the oddest times. But prayer opportunities have remained limitless.

Yes, we are way off schedule. Yes, most of the things we normally plan for the summer cannot be planned this year; but let’s plan to worship, to honor, to serve, and to pray.