cktimes.ca Archives for The Pastoral Lens
The Pastoral Lens
"Failure to Plan Means Planning to Fail"
Tuesday, September 17, 2002
I'm not all that big a fan of pithy words and catch phrases, but there are a few axioms out there that seem to be tailor-made for me. One of those phrases is this: failure to plan means planning to fail. In my line of work there are times that you can get away with flying by the seat of your pants, but there are other times when to do so will spell guaranteed doom. If experience is the best teacher, then I am a Rhodes scholar!I vividly remember an excursion I was leading a number of years ago for some youth who were a part of the church I served in Petrolia. A kind church member had offered the use of their rented cottage for an outing. Everyone involved seemed excited about the idea.
I was excited, too, until I found out where the cottage was located. It was, well, somewhere between this town line and that rural intersection, just past 3 cornfields and down a gravel sideroad. In other words, you'll know it when you get there.
Unfortunately, myself and the other 3 drivers with me never did "get there" that day. To make matters worse, I left the search early to get back for an emergency counselling appointment, leaving the rest of the beleaguered c
I went to the office the next day to receive a barrage of phone calls from frustrated parents. I was told, in no uncertain terms, how irresponsible it was of me to abandon my little flock in the middle of nowhere and let them try to figure things out on their own. What could I possibly say to defend myself? I was guilty and there was no way around it. I had not taken the time to get proper directions ahead of time, or even to drive there earlier in the week myself to check the place out and make sure everything was on the up and up. I confessed my folly and have lived to tell about it.
Now, many years later (and with a wee bit more smarts to work with!), I employ two key things that help keep failure at bay. First, I pray about every decision. God knows the end from the beginning so it's a safe bet to check with Him first before launching out into the deep.
Secondly, I consult the Manual (ie. The Bible). I have found that letting the Lord chart my course is a wise move. I start every day by reading the Bible. It helps me chart a course for my life that doesn't lead down the road to failure. Take it from me, folks, spending the time planning your spiritual affairs will help keep you from the clutches of failure.
