Should we even make plans for 2021? I mean, for the love of all that is good in the world, my initial plans for 2020 did NOT materialize. Like at all. I bet I’m not alone in that. Sometime in January, I typically go back and look at my “resolutions” from the previous year. Doing so this January was laughable (and a little painful).
Related content: I Don’t Make New Year Resolutions Because They Stink!
I published a blog article back in December 2019 explaining why I don’t make New Year resolutions per se, but I enjoy making a New Year “bucket list”. That blog post shared my personal bucket list for 2020. Let’s see how I did, shall we?
#1. Take a beginning pottery class.
Yeah, my class started in March 2020. I got one lesson in – long enough to realize I LOVE using a pottery wheel – and then *BAM*. You know what happened. That pandemic thing in China and Europe punched arrogant America right in the mouth. The studio shut down for months on end, and there was no more throwing clay for me.
#2. Tour a local winery.
Nope. (Insert the classic game show buzzer sound of failure here.) My family has taken this whole social distancing thing super seriously. We mask, socially distance (even from our extended family on holidays), scrub our hands like brain surgeons, and avoid public places whenever possible. I can count on ONE FINGER the number of restaurants and bars that have seen my face at a table inside in the past ten months. TEN MONTHS.
Still, Allan had COVID-19 in April/May 2020 and endured a twenty-nine day quarantine, and Luke had a much milder case in November 2020. And despite my multiple negative test results, I’m not entirely convinced that I didn’t have a touch of the virus during either of those episodes, too. Perhaps I should have just toured the dang winery.
Related content: Coronavirus Broke Into Our House.
#3. Travel to South Africa.
Okay, the first two are disappointing to me in varying degrees, but this one hurts my heart. I was supposed to go on a mission trip to South Africa in July 2020. I bought a travel backpack and researched vaccines and started reading up on South African culture. That dream journey was (rightfully) cancelled with no foreseeable rescheduling in sight. So, my travel backpack sits unused at the bottom of my bedroom closet with the store tags still in place. The worst part? I know the NEED still exists, and I’m not allowed to go be a part of the solution in person. I’m a hands-on worker bee, so I especially hate that.
Should we even make plans for 2021?
So, what to do for this new year? Should we even make plans for 2021? I’ve given it some serious prayerful consideration, and I’ve come to the following conclusion. I’m certain the answer is “YES”. Yes, we should absolutely make plans for 2021. We are uniquely designed to be creative and imaginative. To have hopes and dreams for ourselves and our families. And the free will to pursue it all. What a remarkable gift we’ve been given.
And yet, I am also certain that the answer is that we should make plans for 2021 “WITH HUMILITY”. Clearly 2020 reminded us that nothing is guaranteed and nothing is permanent. The entire world can change right before our eyes in an instant. One of my favorite books of the Bible (James) mentions this very thing related to making our earthly plans. James 4:13-15
So where does this leave us? What does this mean for us practically and logistically?
It means that we should write our plans down on paper AND keep them open for however God may chose to use them. And that, dear friends, requires a level of humility we humans do not readily embrace. Ultimately, our plans don’t belong to us. Our money and our material possessions don’t belong to us. Our children and our spouses don’t belong to us. In fact, our very lives don’t even belong to us. All of those things are precious gifts to be enjoyed and wisely stewarded, and then eventually returned to our Creator in the end.
Practical next steps.
If you will indulge me, here is one example from my own life for 2021…
We have plans for a beach vacation to South Carolina this summer. That requires some effort on our part logistically. Hotel reservations. Time requested off work. Saving money ahead of time. A boarding kennel for the dog. And so on and so on.
In the midst of the excitement of all of those physical preparations, I am praying. And I’m not praying exactly the way I used to. You know, like a laundry list of ways God may bless MY plans.
Lord, please help me make it to the end of this insane school year so I can go on this vacation and finally relax. Bless us with coupons and Groupons and after 6pm discounts. Oh, and low humidity and light traffic would also be swell. Amen.
Instead, I am trying something new for 2021. Something more like this…
Lord, I am struggling to keep my stress and anxiety in check this school year. Allan and I would really love to be able to get to the beach to relax with each other and the kids. Thank you for providing us with the means to pay for it, if You want us to spend our money this way. Please show me opportunities to be all about Your Kingdom as we plan for this trip. Amen.
Are we willing to be second?
What plans are you making for 2021? Is there a way you can humbly submit those plans to God? Try it. He wants good things for you. Eternal, soul-building things. And the best way to receive ALL that He has for you is to put Him first, especially as we go about making our earthly plans and preparations. It’s counter-cultural from what the world would sell us, I know. This guy has another way of saying it… (and I really like his shirt).
May your 2021 be full of blessings – both planned and unplanned. And may our paths cross in person sometime this year – maybe at a winery or even at the beach this summer! If God wants.
Love, Melissa