Plan with Plenty of Margin

 THINK

"One of the greatest ironies of the history of Christianity is that its leaders constantly gave in to the temptation of power—political power, military power, economic power, or moral and spiritual power—even though they continued to speak in the name of Jesus, who did not cling to his divine power but emptied himself and became as we are….What makes the temptation of power so seemingly irresistible? Maybe it is that power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love. It seems easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people, easier to own life than to love life.  –Henri Nouwen

PRAY

Ok, God. I am not in control; You are. Please help me to stop gripping so tightly to my illusions of power and to open my hands to grace instead.

ACT

 Spend some time today making lists and making plans. Before you begin, offer the endeavor to Jesus and beg the grace of prudent discernment. Plan with plenty of margin—leave room for God’s better plans. And if the money thing begins to niggle doubts that you can even pull this season off, give it to Him. Trust the God of loaves and fishes with your money and your time. Give it all to Him and trust in the miracle.