...for the Planner

It was quite the heated debate.

I shared my thoughts and the rebuttal happened almost immediately.

Words were said.

Words that could never be taken back, and at the end of the day there was still no right answer.

The debate over day planners vs. white boards is one that may never be settled.

As a faithful planner owner I can confidently say that I go nowhere without it. In my room, in my car, in my backpack or next to my purse, my planner acts as a third arm in any appropriate situation (which, in reality, is every situation)

But aside from the witty banter and comical uses regarding my planner, I realize that I do put so much trust into this tiny material item. I rely on this stack of papers held together by a piece of curled plastic to tell me everything I need to know. My scheduled meetings and appointments, work times and preplanned hangouts and find that when I leave the house without it, my day seems unorganized and unproductive.

Living my life out of a planner not only ensures the feeling of dependency but it denies any time for spontaneity and adventure.

For those planners out there, how many times have you realized that the fun you have and the growth you go through is not jotted down on lines on a page or scheduled for you to look forward to?

There are so many times in my life where I tell myself I have to plan for things. And please realize that there are times that planning simply makes sense.

Scheduling a doctor's appointment: Makes sense

Studying for a test: Makes sense

Writing down work schedules: Makes sense (I'd hope)

But there are times in my life where I realize a lack of schedule and the absence of my to-do list was just what I needed.

The days I woke up early and threw a towel and my wallet in my backpack and headed toward the beach.

The times I went on long drives with friends and stopped when we decided the destination was cool enough.

The moments of silence, away from home, where I sat and journaled and allowed God to just sit with me.

These are the times were planning ahead wouldn't have made any sense at all.

For the planners out there, how many times do you wish you could just cut off that third arm?

Something I am always trying to remember is no matter what, the day will happen and the next day will appear just the same. Whether I cross off five things on my list or barely get to one, there will always be another day to get things done.

There will always be another day.

How many days do you want planned out for yourself?

Whether your life is scheduled on a white board or filling the pages of a day planner, find the time to set those aside and step outside the house with an open mind, a blank page, and the opportunity to let yourself grow amidst the unscheduled days.