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From junior high school through junior college, I was a gymnast. The balance beam and floor exercise were my best routines in the sport. Believe it or not, I can still do the straddle splits! As circus-worthy as that sounds at age 56, it’s not something that I brag about in any circle. And it’s not the kind of flexibility I have in mind as I write this.

Proverbs 16:9 spells out my point: “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” (NLT). This verse is a list-maker’s nightmare, if we let it be. Recently a friend and I were laughing about how much we love to make—and check off—our daily lists. She confided that even when she accomplishes an item that wasn’t originally on her list, she simultaneously writes it down and checks it off! I had to laugh, because I do the very same thing. It may be a harmless habit, but if we let it control our day, it can become an unhealthy ritual.

Each of us has our own unique mode of operation as part of our God-given personality. He is the One who made us and the way we think. And He is the One who consistently reminds us, through His Word and His gentle touch, to come back to Him. Let Him direct your steps.

This is what I imagine God’s list for our day would look like:

  1. Pray to Me — Read My Word.
  2. Pray to Me — Be kind to each family member as you start your day.
  3. Pray to Me — Let interruptions in your day become a teaching or sharing moment about Me.
  4. Pray to Me — Assist someone in some small way, with a smile and a joyful heart.
  5. Pray to Me — Love yourself, because I loved you first.
  6. Pray to Me . . .

This narrative is no new thought. I just hope to remind us of what we already know: to let Jesus determine our steps and be in control of our day as we go on our way. Make your plans, and stay flexible.