I have never been accused of being spontaneous. I am someone who truly loves routine.  Lists (and crossing off things once they’re done) make me really happy.  I even created a cleaning and laundry schedule when I became Home Manager (thanks for the new title, Spence!).  Yep, I’m that kind of person.

So, of course, I had today all planned out – until Spencer came home with pink eye yesterday.  Knowing he would not be going to school today, I looked ahead at my schedule and tried my best to mentally change around plans and get my brain wrapped around a day that would look different than anticipated.

Wow –  I just read through that , and I sound like someone with a major problem! (Remember my struggles with control?!? )                                           Admitting the problem is step one, right?

So, I went to the reference I knew would help me the most.  My bible.  As I was reading example after example of Jesus showing his flexibility, the common thread hit me – he just did whatever needed to be done no matter what.  It didn’t matter if it was the way things had been done in the past, if it dealt with someone deemed ‘unworthy’ by others, what day of the week it was, and really any other stipulations people can create.  He just did it.

Not once does it show Jesus checking his calendar and saying, “sorry, that isn’t supposed to happen until tomorrow…” In fact, the opposite happens in Luke 3:1-6 when Jesus healed a man’s hand.  Although it was the Sabbath, and Jesus knew the Pharisees were looking for reasons to condemn him, he did it anyway. Because it needed to be done…

So, of course, I took care of Spencer, and hung out with him, and enjoyed his unexpected company today.  And – I still cleaned up the kitchen and got some of the things done on my list.  Does it really matter that I just finally got the bed made? Or that I’m writing this almost ten hours later than originally planned? Nope. Even if I don’t get everything done today, I can work on it tomorrow. It’s just that Spencer needed me today – so the most important task I had today was to be a mom to my son. And I feel like I can check that one off my list before I go to bed tonight…

So how do you gain flexibility? 

How are some ways you have found to help gain flexibility in your life?  If you have a story or any advice for me – and others who struggle with this – please comment below.  Thank you! I can’t wait to read them all!