What's Next?

What's next? A question that tumbles through my mind daily. Honestly, maybe to the point of obsessing. I took a personality quiz one time and the result was that I am a futurist.  Always thinking about the future, always planning, always basing my actions and decisions on what "might" happen in the future. I guess in a way that can be good. Right? It's good to think ahead. It's good to plan. It's good to imagine all of the many possibilities, but where the problem lies is in the execution.

I will tell you, I can get completely lost in a day dream. Oh the life I have planned in my mind... and in my mind I'm already there! I will sit and think about things until I have run all possible scenarios through in my mind. I will plan and have all the details laid out. I will think and think and think and think and think...

Those who know me on a personal level often make fun of me for that glazed over look in my eyes. Well, that's not me having a blonde moment or trying to avoid or remove myself from the moment. That's me thinking about what's next. Sad thing is that sometimes without me even meaning to, I totally miss out on the here and now.

But this is just me right??? It's who I am. It's how I was made. I can't help it... or can I? So here's the thing. I realize that this has become some what of a fault of mine. Yes, it is part of my make up and in a way I think an important part of my character. What I need to do though is to learn how to use it in the right way. I need to set aside time to think about things and then take the time to act on those thoughts. Think and do. Think and act. Maybe I should really say think and live, or think and be.

How much time do we waste worrying about the future? We try to plan our lives to such a strict line that when it doesn't go the way we planned we are completely lost. How about living by faith? How about living in the here and now? Maybe it's time to refocus my thoughts and set up a basic plan, which I have, and let God fill in the rest of details.

I saw something the other day that said, "You never know what is gained by forgetting about the future." I think that might be very true. A lot of my thoughts are spent on a life I've created that doesn't exist. Plans fall through, people in your life leave, seasons change. What is truly important is today, right now, right here where we are standing. This moment is pivotal and will never pass our way again. Ever.  

So what's next??? Who knows?! I've got my plan and my focus is today. What I can do today, what has been given to me today, what I can accomplish today and who I am surrounded by today. Tomorrow will be here soon enough. Today however will be gone before we know it!

Thinking too much can cause us to drift out of mind and out of spirit. It leads away from the moment and away from our purpose right now. To keep your spirit centered you have to keep your thoughts centered and focused on the right stuff. Be in constant prayer and not constant worry. Plant your feet and walk steady with purpose. That way when the next thing comes you will just flow right into it with a clear mind and being led by the one who should be directing our steps in the first place.  

Thing to remember: Live for today!

Next: The Resilient Spirit

On a side note: With all of the crazy that's been going on in my schedule I had to put off my $2/day challenge but I will definitely be getting back to that soon!