I’m a planner. I like being organized. 

The good thing about being a planner is that things tend to get done. You map out how to use your time and organize that time so that it moves you toward your goals. I don’t always get it right—far from it!—but being a planner has benefits.

It also has pitfalls.

For example, there are times when a plan isn’t working. You need to recognize it and change course. 

There are other times when you sense that God wants you to do something else—something which, I might add, wasn’t in the original plan! Since God is God, you need to acknowledge his wisdom and do a U-turn.

This past winter our family re-watched the third Mighty Ducks movie. Coach Orion has a brilliant piece of advice for one of his hockey players: “Don’t be careless, but don’t be too careful either.”*

Wow. I think that’s a helpful word about discipleship too! 

It’s good to be careful, and even to make a plan for your life. But if we’re “too careful,” we may be playing it too safe. There are times when God is calling us into action or inviting us to take a risk for the kingdom. When that happens, we are wise to listen up and make a mid-course correction.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).

There’s nothing wrong with making a plan and being organized—but only if you are open to how the Holy Spirit is leading you forward in the footsteps of Christ.

“Don’t be careless, but don’t be too careful either.”

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Notes:

–“D3: The Mighty Ducks” was released by Disney in 1996 and was directed by Robert Lieberman.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.