Building a life plan is something many of us think about but do not get around to actually doing. Many people spend more time planning their vacations than their life. But we only get one lifetime, so we need to establish wise priorities to guide us along the way.
God wants us to be good stewards of the resources we have been given, and that includes our time. Many of us keep such a busy schedule that it doesn’t leave time for many of the important things in life. Later, we notice another month—or year—has gone by, and we still haven’t focused on the things that matter. We can change that unfortunate outcome by planning for the future and involving God in the process.
As we move through life things will change; none of us can predict or determine the future on our own. But thinking about the future helps prioritize what to do in the present. We can better “do the next right thing” if we have thought about what those “right things” should be.
Then, as we move forward, we remain alert to where God leads us along the way. We hold onto our plans loosely; we start with a life plan that works well for now and adjust our goals based on God’s direction down the road. We trust God as if everything depends on him but work each day as if everything depends on us.
People build life plans for lots of reasons. They may recognize the value of living a more effective and efficient lifestyle. Perhaps their circumstances change, and they need to reset their priorities. Often, especially as they get older, people develop a growing desire to achieve significance, and do all they can to live in a way that is pleasing to God.
All of us face periods of crisis; often, these inspire us to think more deeply about our life. A crisis is a crucial event, or turning point, in the course of one’s affairs. A crisis can be prompted by a positive or negative situation or come about for no particular reason we can discern. When we experience a crisis, we may ask questions such as, “What is my purpose in life?” or, “Am I working toward the right goals?”
We can use such a situation as a wake-up call and an opportunity to move toward significance. A crisis can inspire us to ask questions we avoided before. Such a period can become an exciting time of transition and growth. Some of us may decide to make a change in our lives, while others confirm they can pursue significance where they are now. Either way is fine, and both can lead to a life with greater meaning.
