I recently got my first liturgical planner in the mail. I debated buying it since Advent (the beginning of the church year) is almost two months behind us. I wondered if I should just wait until next year. And then I realized we’re only mid-Epiphany – only one season behind.
So, I ordered it and started using it mid-week, mid-calendar. And it was so freeing. Because I began the process with an imperfection, I already feel open to continue the process with less control, with more reality. It’s a bit like starting my One Year Bible reading plan mid-April, knowing that days will be missed and that it’s easier to continue imperfectly than get stuck in a cycle of perfection.
This is a stretch of an analogy, but it kind of reminds me of controlled burns that keep the forest healthy. There’s still a level of imperfect destruction that comes from keeping the forest healthy. Of course, burns happen intentionally and infrequently, but they are important, nonetheless.
Perhaps I need to remember this idea of controlled burn more in my own life. That often, organization and intention are good to work from. But sometimes, I need to be intentionally disorganized to truly appreciate a project or season. Sometimes, letting go of the details to see the big picture is a a point-of-view I need to practice more often. (Not natural for this detail-oriented person!)
As we move into a year of changes and big decisions, I’m thinking this small practice may prove to be one that keeps me peaceful.
How are you wired? Can you start midstream or do you like opening a fresh page on Day One of a journey?
Linked with Kate Motaung’s Five Minute Friday, a time to write without editing. Today’s prompt is Control.
Annie Rim 
I think I’ve thought that it’s an either or thing – organization or disorganization. But I think you’ve pointed out there is value in both. It doesn’t have to be either or. That’s freeing 🙂
I think for some, organization is a struggle in itself. For me, I can let it get too controlling. And then no one is organized or happy! 😉
I like your idea of starting midway. I am a control freak too. But this way, we know that I can never be perfect and that’s okay. Thanks for sharing!
Right? I need to make myself “fail” at the beginning in order to actually experience something good. Kind of crazy. 😉
I get it and not crazy at all!
I love your point! There is something to be gained in both organization & disorganization. I also want to be able to see the big picture more clearly. His picture 🙂
Stopping to remember the big picture…. So freeing!! I can get bogged down in the details so easily and I wonder if God is shaking his head, wondering when I’ll learn to step back.
I see the detail too and it is easy to get stuck in that cycle of perfection. I like the idea of starting something midway. I think it would remove some of the pressure.
Details are important, but I definitely let them get in the way of the point. I’m always happier when that pressure is removed, though!
I agree, I’ve always thought of it as either your organized, or you aren’t. Unfortuneatly I fall in the latter category, but this idea that there can be both at once is freeing. When I’m trying to be organized and control my home etc, I do well for several days and then I burn out. But maybe if I add in some intentional burn days along the way I can sustain organization and control better in the long term. Hmmm, things to ponder! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Haha! Love it – intentional burnout days!! I think that’s the key, though. That we need to recognize where we’re getting bogged down and be ok with that. It’s part of the process and journey.
I’m with you friend. Sometimes starting a new practice is just what we need.
Yes, I’m in a season of needing some new, refreshing practices.
Great post, Annie! I love the idea of working within intentional disorganization. I am happiest when I’m working a plan. But, God is helping me to become more flexible in this. I’ve gotten a late start to things before, and there is a freedom in just letting go of that which I didn’t get done int he beginning (like a one-year Bible reading).
I hope God gives you clear leading in the changes and decisions you guys need to make!
Thank you, Jeanne! Sometimes I just want a booming voice from heaven – hard to trust… 😉 But it is such a reminder that we are in the middle of God’s plan, too.
I will start anywhere, and that could be because I am a work in progress ALWAYS and in ALL WAYS. I jump around in studies and journals all the time. There was a time where I would put things off because I needed to finish this first or start something else. Now I am just letting it be what it is. This year I am hoping to reign it in by having a specific study journal for 2017.
Dropping by from FMF
Be blessed!
While I’m definitely learning to be more open, I’m also holding off on some planned studies until I finish what I’ve already started… 😉 Finding the balance between not overly planning and finishing what I’ve started! (Ha!!) Thanks for stopping by!