Daily Power #251

This is the LORD’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. (Ps. 118:23 NASB)

Life can be so serious, right? Bills to pay. Chores to complete. Projects to finish. Kids to raise. It’s hard to enjoy today when it’s all flying by you at a hundred miles per minute. You have to stay focused and prepared for what’s next—which doesn’t leave much room for joy.

Years ago a mentor challenged me. “Craig,” he asked in a heartfelt way, “why are you so serious all the time? When are you going to take time to smell the roses? Seize the day? Embrace the moment?” If you are a Type A kind of person, you may be able to relate. He said, “Why don’t you plan something spontaneous?”

His question seemed to be an oxymoron. How do you plan something spontaneous? He explained to me that people who lean toward responsibility over enjoyment often need to plan fun. I knew what he meant.

Are you like this? Are you more worried than carefree? Do you plan to achieve more than you plan to enjoy?

If so, maybe it’s time for some planned spontaneity. Decide today to drive a different way to work. Grab someone for a coffee in the middle of an otherwise stressful day. Take an afternoon walk, and walk extra slowly. Call a friend and grab cheap tickets to a game—tonight. Play cards with your kids before making them do homework. Grab a banana split on the way home from church.

If you are often overwhelmed with doing what’s right, remember that sometimes what’s right is also what’s fun.

Power Lift

Dear God, you are in control, and today I can loosen my grip and experience the joy of spontaneous fun.