Life Giving Part 5
April 12, 2025
It is life-giving to plan for the future. We love to be in the now, but that now had to be scheduled somehow. Though we can let our planning get in the way of living in the now, making plans has its place as a life-giving activity.
Anticipation of a good thing is an excellent state of being. It uplifts us because we imagine the positive things coming our way. Though what excites us differs significantly from age to age, we all need something to look forward to. Why? Because we enjoy the rush of that which thrills us, makes us happy, enlivens us, and pleases us. These are the things that taste good, feel good, and that are easy on the eyes and the ears. There are many things that we can anticipate positively. But those we are most excited about are the life-giving ones.
Without things to look forward to, we can become lifeless, complacent, and dull. Without plans, we repeat the same experiences, which can place us in a rut. Life can be draining and humdrum when we are going nowhere new and have no new experiences. With no plans, the only things that happen to us are the predictable and the unplanned surprises. Having something to look forward to makes us able to do the routine while remaining good-natured.
Anticipation of coming events enlivens us. Events let us know we have purpose and meaning.
The coming events are what come before we leave this life. If we had no plans, the only thing to anticipate for sure would be our death. Making plans is a sure sign of life. Enough struggle and pain are built into any of our lives, yet making plans and fulfilling them is an antidote for the sadness they cause. Making plans is life-giving.
Spiritual practice: Do you have things planned that let you know that you are among the land of the living? If not, you know what to do.
Self-inquiry: Do you like to plan or not? Why?
Dear God,
For the exciting things I anticipate, I give you thanks and praise. Amen
