Doing vs. Planning

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An article title from our local newspaper caught my eye. 

Doing vs. Planning

Immediately I tore it out, not even taking time to read what the article contained.  The title was enough to get the Holy Spirit speaking. 

How much time to I spend planning?

How much time do I spend doing?

Let me explain. 

As a strong Type A, I sometimes heed doing things simply because I haven’t prepared and won’t be able to do the activity perfectly.

Hitting a chord with anyone?

For the Type-B people out there who always fly by the seat of their pants, let me share an example. 

When doing crafts with out kiddos, the “teacher” in me comes out strong.  I want to have all of the materials ready and have an example made. Also, I desire for my fingernails to be well manicured and of course to be wearing pearls with a flowery skirt.  (Okay, I am not that bad but you get the picture.)  Because time doesn’t allow for this type of prep and perfection, sometimes I skip crafts all together.

Still confused…here is another example.

When teaching my children Bible verses, in my perfect world, I want to have a corresponding Bible story, craft, and song to introduce the Bible verse so that my children can hide God’s Word in their hearts.  Once again because this isn’t a reality every time, I realize I can’t do it perfectly, so I don’t to it at all. 

Which makes me wonder…Do I value the planning and preparing more than the doing?

Ouch!

The simple three word newspaper article title couldn’t have been clearer.  The Holy Spirit was calling me out, “Quit thinking it has to be perfect and JUST DO IT!” 

In the words of Beth Moore, “Can I get an Amen?”

What are you putting off?  What is the Holy Spirit telling you do?

For some of you it may be teaching your children about the Bible.  Maybe the Holy Spirit is prompting you to “impress upon your children” the commandments of the Lord. 

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.  (Deut. 6:5-9)

Instead of worrying about doing it perfectly, just start. 

Here are some ideas.

• Print off the ABCJLM Memory Verse cards and begin hiding God’s Word in your family’s heart.  Choose the list that is age and developmentally appropriate for your child.
   
• Teach your child the Books of the Bible
• Choose a Bible song of the week
• Focus on a key Bible story

Whatever you decide to do, post the chosen learning on the dashboard of your vehicle, a mirror, or the refrigerator to keep the learning upfront.  Have a set time that you work on the objective everyday.  Involve Daddy as much as possible.

Maybe God is calling you to be a better mom.  A mom who is training a child’s heart and not just disciplining out of frustration or embarrassment.  If so, I’d invite you to join our Book Study on Shepherding a Child’s Heart.  Click for more info…

Here’s my point. 

Instead of all or nothing, do something!  Instead of planning to be a godly mom, be the godly mom you desire to be.  Pick one thing and run with it because there is no time like the present to impress upon your children.  

For those of you who are Type B and totally confused…just pray for your Type A sisters!  We need it.