In my last post, I shared a significant self-discovery: life isn't linear, but rather moves through distinct literal seasons. For years, I struggled with guilt and a sense of failure when my goals unraveled during periods like summer. However, I've come to realize that it's essential to account for these natural ebbs and flows when engaging our intentions. This insight led to a game-changing redesign of our Nurtured Faith Weekly Planner, which now prioritizes progress over perfection across life's diverse seasons (see my previous post for further details.)
My third significant self-discovery, while I am undeniably a planner by nature, is the profound truth that ultimately, it is God who establishes my steps. This realization, brings with it a powerful blend of humility and release. It means acknowledging that even with the most prayerfully crafted plans, the most meticulously defined goals, and the most earnest intentions for the year ahead, life might, and often does, unfold in ways I hadn't originally intended or foreseen.
This isn't to say that planning is futile; quite the opposite. Planning is an act of good stewardship of our time, resources, and giftings; a way of intentionally aligning with God’s invitation to join Him. The humility comes in recognizing that my vision is limited, and God's perspective is infinite. My carefully constructed roadmap might be a good starting point, and I need to remain fluid to follow His lead in my life.
Why is this an important self-discovery?
I need to continually surrender control. It's the understanding that unexpected opportunities, unforeseen challenges, or even divine redirections are not deviations from my perfect plan, but rather integral parts of a life lived in faith. These can be moments where new paths emerge that I couldn't have imagined, where my strengths are tested and refined in ways I hadn't anticipated, or where God's hand becomes undeniably evident in guiding me towards a purpose greater than my own. This surrender alleviates the pressure of having to control every outcome and instead allows for a trusting embrace of the journey, knowing that God’s wisdom is at play.
So how did this discovery influence our New Nurtured Faith Planner?
Well, that’s a great question and there is a three-fold answer.
- Nurtured Faith Weekly Planners have weekly Bible verse(s) to encourage and explore our faith. Helping us to keep our eyes focused on Him all throughout our week.
- We have always encouraged talking to Jesus about our week, and allowing Him to order our steps as we discern our most important priorities for the week. This has not changed. It remains a staple within our weekly planners.
- In addition to our New Nurtured Faith Planner, we created Nurtured Faith Journal. A tool to help organize our Spiritual Journal. The more we engage in our relationship with God, the greater our trust, faith, and love has opportunity to grow.
There is still one more post within our four part series, so stay tuned for our next blog post!
If you are joining us for the first time, head over to our website and sign up for our newsletters, to learn more about New Day Planners, LLC and receive a discount on your next purchase of a planner!