We are creatures of schedule. It is rare that we have unscheduled time in our days. Many times we need it and should provide for it but we are unable to sit still long enough to enjoy it. Technology does not help. Being online and available at a moment’s notice doesn’t help. We need to listen to the Holy Spirit as he prompts us to take a break for some unscheduled time. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I think back to the time of year when the new schedules come out. We anticipate what the new season will bring. What new tracks are on the horizon? We sort out how each will fit into our schedule. We fill the upcoming racing season with opportunities. Very rarely do we schedule down time.
I have followed along the journeys of many friends on social media as they share their vacation exploits. I see this place and that, here and there, but never nowhere. Somehow, somewhere, someway, unscheduled time is not in our plans. Most times we need a vacation from our vacation.
This subject is on my mind because I have struggled with leaving room in my schedule for God. I get so busy that there isn’t room for Him. Not that I am not serving Him and ministering in His name but that I have Him scheduled into a box of time. Here you go God, here is your time to speak to me, what’s up. Okay on to the next scheduled item.
I am afraid I have gotten so busy that I have squeezed God out. Not as a part of my life; I serve Him every day, but as a part of my scheduling. Maybe you are going through a similar time. God will not force His way in. He will wait until we realize that we haven’t seen His hand working in our lives lately.
The question of the day is, how are we allowing God to adjust our schedule for His glory? Are we even considering Him wanting to have input? Let me be candid; I have been going through a very difficult struggle for several months trying to figure out which direction God wants me to move.
This is not unlike a racer deciding which races to run. We try our best with the information we have to make decisions that will give us the best opportunity to move forward. Very rarely do we decide to do something that will take us backward or slow us down. We are a forward moving people. To the front!
This past weekend God got my attention. I had it all planned. I would head to Memphis to cover the K&N race. Lynda would join me as we planned on visiting some friends in Western Tennessee. We planned to bring our popup camper and stay on their farm. Sounds like a good plan, right? I thought so.
I put in place all the coverage needed to cover my usual responsibilities. Rev. Dan and Todd Heft would cover the Whelen Modified Tour at Seekonk. Rev. Jerry Jones would cover preaching for me at Mount Carmel Christian Church. Lynda shared with our Daughter that we would need to adjust our schedule in watching the grandkids. Looks like we have the bases covered, pack up the camper, let’s go!
We needed to take time and listen to God. You see as the trip approached there wasn’t a peace in our hearts about going. Not that we weren’t planning to do good things, but that God had other plans that would be more beneficial to us. This can be the most difficult part of walking with God, when he wants you to move in a different direction than the one you have plans in place to go.
Proverbs 3:5-6, (NLT), Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Most of the plan was good, God confirmed that. The part that had to change was our location. As Lynda and I became aware that God had a different plan for us we made adjustments. You know it is God when people are ready and waiting to step in and serve in your place.
I was ready to make the trip without Lynda as care for our grandchildren made her joining me difficult. God then started on me and helped me know He had a replacement available to cover Memphis. A chaplain friend who lived in Nashville and had over 12 years of experience working with NASCAR was available and willing to cover the race. In some way he needed to be there and I didn’t.
Okay I’m not going to Memphis, all my responsibilities are covered, what am I going to do? Unscheduled time, something I rarely have, let alone need. I was given the opportunity to step back and evaluate how important my presence really is. Sometimes we think we are more important than we really are.
God helped me see this past weekend that I need to be on His schedule. I need to follow His plan. If I am not I will miss His presence in my life. I am not the one who makes the world go round, He is. I must admit this past weekend wasn’t comfortable for me. I’m much more comfortable when I am on a mission. Taking a step back with some unscheduled time left my mind contemplating a few things. God got my attention!
Fight the urge to fill every moment of your life with something. Fight the urge to be accessible twenty four-seven. Instead let God help you learn how to follow Him. Let him make the adjustments in your life that will lead to a closer relationship with him. Let those lessons help you live life better.
John 10:10, (NLT), The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
