One area I have had to deliberately work in my life is to have a flexible plan. I like a regimented schedule and I really prefer when things line up perfectly.
This is all well and good, but once you enter any unknown dynamics into the plan – other people, for instance – things can change all over the place. Sometimes this leaves me wanting to throw the entire plan out the window … but that’s obviously not the correct response.
It has taken me some time, but I am learning to be more flexible, personally and with my plans.
A Flexible Schedule
Working several jobs certainly gives one a nice variety of work to accomplish, but it can also feel like a bit of scramble when things get delayed and not done in a timely manner.
One important factor that I’ve really been leaning into lately is focusing well on the task in front of me. God has the details and He knows my to do list. If I give Him my best where He guides me day by day, hour by hour, then I can be confident He will help me accomplish what needs to be done.
I also make an effort to work smart. There is work that needs doing that I can get our employees to do and there is work that only I can do. When I have a few minutes, I do my best to line up work for the employees and then to work on what only I can do.
A Flexible Outlook
As you are getting help, there are certain ways to accomplish tasks, but there is also room for creativity. Instead of limiting employees to only doing something the way I would do it, I do my best to convey the desired result, suggest how it could be accomplished, and then leave them to do it.
Sometimes they do it the way I do it, other times they have a different way. As long as the desired result is achieved, I am happy!
But this has taken some letting go of a specific plan or way things have always been done. Growing takes work and a flexible plan.
But growing is a good thing! Not easy by any means, but good.
Creating a schedule for our employees is challenging to me because though you have a plan, you never know how it will play out – especially when it involves other people! I would almost rather just wing it, go day by day, rather than have cancellations and plans rearranged! (and obviously this isn’t the solution, just an area I need to work on!)
But again, I am reminded of the importance of flexibility and leaving the details with God.
A Flexible Life
Having a flexible plan applies in every area of life. Whether you are a homemaker, business owner, school teacher, nurse, etc. We never know what a day will bring, but so long as we commit our work to the Lord, we can be certain that He will guide our days!
I guess that is another part of completely surrendering to Him. Whether we are young or old, single or married, He knows our hearts and our hopes and dreams. I think it is important to pursue the dreams He gives us, but also to flourish in the parameters He gives.
He can open doors no man can close and He can close doors no man can open. He knows the plans He has for us, plans for a hope and a future. When we commit our ways to Him, He establishes our plans. And I could go on!
I’ve said it before, but I truly believe that when we set our eyes on Him and ask Him to guide us, He will make His plans for us the desire of our hearts. Then we can be free to pursue our dreams, confident that we are accomplishing His work!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2018/04/11/your-plans-my-dreams/