I am addicted to my calendar. I love seeing a day take shape! I appreciate the manner in which a well-ordered life is able to present substantial opportunities or assignments for my very busy and hopefully productive life.
- 9:30: Phone Call with Publisher
- 10:30: Record 5 Radio Programs
- 12:30: Lunch with Board Member
- 2:30: Work on new Bible Study
It's important to me to know that I am wringing the purpose out of every minute of a calendar day and that I am being a good steward of God's time. I never want to be guilty of wasting a single day of this extraordinary life that has been given to me.
- 8:00: Walk with a friend
- 9:30: Write blog for the week
- 11:00: Prepare for weekend speaking engagement
- 1:00: Lunch with staff
- 2:30: Go over edits on new book
- 5:00: Dinner with Craig
But there are times that I must remind myself that God is more important than my calendar. Imagine that!
When the single mom calls and needs an afternoon of encouragement, I must set aside my schedule and spend time loving a sweet sister in need. I must.
When one of my grown children needs a listening ear or a word of wisdom, I must close my computer and spend time listening and praying. I must.
When a dear friend is suddenly admitted to the hospital, I must drop everything else, buy a bouquet of flowers and sit by her bedside. I must.
In this crazy world of ministry, I must not become so addicted my stringent schedule and controlling calendar that I forget to listen for the voice of the Master.
"Carol ... I need you to encourage a single mom ..."
"Carol ... would you be willing to take a phone call ..."
"Carol ... a friend is in pain and I am sending you to her bedside ..."
My "stuff" is much less important than His persuasive call. My predetermined schedule pales in comparison to His loving priorities. My busyness, as vital as it may seem to me, holds no eternal weight when He calls my name to fulfill His assignments.
God knows I am busy. He doesn't need me to remind Him how busy I am! He also knows that sometimes, as a type-A human being, I have been guilty of valuing importance over service. Often He kingly calls me away from my self-designated priorities and reveals the greatness of simple yet humble service.
I can make my plans but I must always give Him control. I can schedule my life to the very minute but I must allow Him to interrupt. His divine appointments accomplish so much more than my best-laid plans ever will.
And so today I lay my calendar at the foot of the Cross. I tearfully declare, "Father, not my way but Your way. Not my control but Your interruptions. Not my importance but Your greatness. Not me ... but You!"
An ordinary day that is given to the Savior transforms a busy life into a miraculous life. A calendar that is submitted to the plans that He desires becomes a sacred display of submission. A person who obeys and even enjoys the interruptions of heaven is a force to be reckoned with indeed! 
Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. She has written five books, including No More Ordinary, Holy Estrogen!, The Rooms of a Woman's Heart and Defiant Joy! Her most recent book, Refined: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Fire, was released last August. Her teaching DVD The Rooms of a Woman's Heart won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award for excellence in religious programming. You can also listen to Carol's "A Jolt of Joy" program daily on the Charisma Podcast Network. Connect with Carol or inquire about her speaking to your group at justjoyministries.com.
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