A more appropriate heading would be
PEOPLE AND AGENDAS
It is not what you think! Please hear me out.
Today (Wednesday) has been one of those days where people took precedence over agenda. I want to tell you about it, but I don’t want you to think AT ALL like I am some sort of poster boy for people over agendas.
We have a young couple who have been through a pretty tough spot over the past two months or so who are getting married on August 16th. No, there is not a pregnancy. Since they had no bed whatsoever, Jo & I gave them our Queen bad since we were buying a new one. It was stored in her mom’s garage until today when it and some other stuff was taken out of town to the apartment they will be living in.
Morning shot.
Most of the afternoon shot.
I am heading back to pick him up since no plans were made originally for him to stay with her and help get their soon-to-be new home set up. Anyway, I offered to drive back and get him so he can be a part of the set up process and putting things away.
Rest of the afternoon shot.
You know what? I don’t care. I have preached for years here…and preached to Ryan (our youth pastor) that people are more important than programs. In this case, people are also more important than agendas. My agenda? Make a quick trip to their apartment (50 minute drive), eat lunch and get back to go for a ride. And while I had my agenda and plan, God had another.
Sometimes what is inconvenient and cost a little is priceless in knowing you did what was right.
I wish I could say I always get this right. But at least this once, I know I have done what Jesus would have done. And I also know I made a momma pretty happy, as well as a future bride. A by-product? Peace. Knowing you did something for someone else.
Now…all I have to do is learn to do this on a regular basis instead of flashes of “brilliance” and I would be a whole lot better off. 🙂
Ever sacrificed your agenda for someone else and found out you did what was right?
I know that I have done some things like this, but I can’t say that any specific examples are coming to mind. Maybe it is time to make some new memories in this area!
Always a good time to do that.
I’ve never been an agenda guy. My plans usually are pretty fluid so one of the things I do okay at is putting my (loosely made) plans aside. I can’t count the number of times my plans have been changed for me. Although your post speaks of a more “sacrificial” type of plan change. So a more direct answer to your question is “yes”, I have “sacrificed” my agenda on several occasions to do what I thought right.
It feels good when you get it “right” …
You’re right David. It does feel good when we get it right. Whether it is a sacrificial type or just helping someone, it is good.
Isn’t this largely what being a parent is all about? Seems like my role now involves a lot of sacrificing my agenda for ministering to my kids while at the same time teaching them whenever I get the chance before I have less of a chance.
It is Kari. It has been so long since I had done that, but recently I did that for my grandson. It rained out a series of baseball games that we made an early trip to see. But they were played on Sunday so we made the first one so he could play before leaving for Pigeon Forge. Yes, we missed church.
People always trump agenda! They’re always more fun, say, YES!
Yes!
Great use of your free will, Bill. Changing our perspective is the gift from our Father. Being selfless always brings peace when done with the proper perspective I think.
I believe you are right Floyd. 🙂 Selfless is the way to go.
Happens enough to “keep me honest.”
We all need to be kept honest.
I am so grateful that you changed your agenda. I appreciate you and Jo more than words can ever express. The time you both have given to my family is priceless. I know they appreciated the extra time. I know I personally need to get back to following my heart more and spending more time for others. I’ve been too busy with following the calendar and focusing on making sure everything gets done and done in a timely manner.
Now…how do you know I was talking about your kiddos? 🙂 Just glad I was able to give them some more time together. Jo & I appreciate you all as well…even Anthony! LOL Following the heart is the best way to go.
I have . . .but still find myself struggling with it some days! Argh! Thank you for this wonderful confirmation that it is the right thing to do!
That’s the thing Deb. It is a struggle.Constant one at that. But it is always the right thing to do to put people ahead of our own agenda, especially when it is an example of what jesus would do.