While plans offer a starting point (the blueprint), the true journey is shaped by our actions (painting the canvas).
Life is a journey, often guided by the plans we make. These plans, like a sketch on a canvas, provide an initial structure for our path. However, it's important to remember that while plans offer a roadmap, it's our actions, not the rigid outlines themselves, that ultimately shape our journey.
Jotting plans in journals feels tangible, a comfort in the visible. Yet, the truest growth lies in embracing the unseen – the realm of faith and action. We may not see the final outcome, but with belief as our compass and a sprinkle of faith in the unknown, we can take the first step, and the next, and the next.
Instead of letting our plans rigidly dictate our every move, let the journey of taking action fueled by faith be the ultimate outcome. While meticulously crafting plans within the confines of journals and calendars holds a certain comfort in tangibility, it's the act of embracing the unknown, the unseen, that signifies true faith. It's believing in something we cannot yet grasp and acting upon that belief, even when faced with uncertainty, that defines our journey.
The question ultimately lies not in simply following plans or passively accepting predetermined outcomes, but in recognizing that a plan is merely a roadmap, a projection of our intended actions.
Take the wealthy individual who acquires land. The plan they meticulously craft serves as a blueprint, not a dictator. It reflects their vision, but it doesn't diminish their individuality or agency. The plan facilitates the action, the building of the home, not the other way around.
Similarly, while planning provides structure and direction, it shouldn't become an anchor that weighs us down. The need to tick every box on a pre-defined list shouldn't overshadow the joy of spontaneous action guided by faith and unexpected turns.
As the scripture in Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." This principle applies to our journey as well. We may not see the final outcome, but with faith, we can take action and navigate the uncertainties with confidence.
Furthermore, James 1:5 reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." When faced with unforeseen circumstances on our journey, we can seek wisdom and guidance from God through prayer.
Therefore, the answer is not to abandon planning altogether but to strike a balance. Let your plans serve as a guiding star, not a prison, and allow your actions, fueled by faith, to be the driving force, painting the canvas of your life with the vibrant colors of experience.