Today I have one goal: finish this paper. But how silly I was to pray this morning in my devotions, "Lord, let me do what you want me to accomplish today." What was I thinking? I had not even asked what he wanted me to do today. I already had my marching orders. Go to my office, bury myself in the sources, and complete that darn paper!
But God had other plans. Usually when I am in my office but not officially at work, no one bothers me. Today was completely different. No sooner had I started writing than a timid knock on my door brought a student worker with questions. I took care of the situation, settled in again and had just begun when another person entered and began a long litany of troubles. I listened with concern - which was really all that was needed - but must admit to fidgeting a bit after an hour flew by and no sign of resolution appeared. Finally she was able to feel satisfied and left, and I took a short break. On returning to my office, I was greeted by another person in need of talking to someone, venting anger, spewing venom so as not to make an injury to the deserving party. Once again I listened. This was getting downright hilarious!
This scenario was repeated several more times, and finally, late in the afternoon, having accomplished absolutely nothing on my paper, I gave up, brain dead now, and headed home feeling defeated. After all, I had an agenda for the day and accomplished none of it. Then I remembered my morning prayer. Perhaps what I managed was to inadvertently go along with God's agenda for the day. Too bad I didn't realize it as I was going through it. I would have paid more attention! And that being the case, I stopped fretting about my paper. After all, if God asked me to set that aside for a bit and do something more necessary, he will open up the time to do the less important work of completing an assignment. I am content.
But God had other plans. Usually when I am in my office but not officially at work, no one bothers me. Today was completely different. No sooner had I started writing than a timid knock on my door brought a student worker with questions. I took care of the situation, settled in again and had just begun when another person entered and began a long litany of troubles. I listened with concern - which was really all that was needed - but must admit to fidgeting a bit after an hour flew by and no sign of resolution appeared. Finally she was able to feel satisfied and left, and I took a short break. On returning to my office, I was greeted by another person in need of talking to someone, venting anger, spewing venom so as not to make an injury to the deserving party. Once again I listened. This was getting downright hilarious!
This scenario was repeated several more times, and finally, late in the afternoon, having accomplished absolutely nothing on my paper, I gave up, brain dead now, and headed home feeling defeated. After all, I had an agenda for the day and accomplished none of it. Then I remembered my morning prayer. Perhaps what I managed was to inadvertently go along with God's agenda for the day. Too bad I didn't realize it as I was going through it. I would have paid more attention! And that being the case, I stopped fretting about my paper. After all, if God asked me to set that aside for a bit and do something more necessary, he will open up the time to do the less important work of completing an assignment. I am content.
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