I had an uncle whose nickname was Sudden Sam. At the drop of a hat, he might decide to go on a trip. He seemed to be the very definition of spontaneous. If a thought occurred to him, he would do it.
Pantser or Planner
Me? Not so much. I do have spontaneous tendencies. For example, I call myself a pantser (flying by the seat of my pants) when it comes to writing. When it comes to vacations, I’m not one that wants every minute of every day being mapped out with activities. My ideal trip would be to just do what I feel like each day.
In other areas of real life, I like to be prepared. I’m not a former girl scout for nothing. I like to be ready for any contingency.
I guess the best thing would be a mix of both personalities. Plan, but hold your plans loosely, because you never know when a trip, or a rabbit trail, (real or metaphorically) might be worth taking.
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
2 Timothy 4:2 New King James Version
Ready to minister
In the Christian leadership world, it is often said, “be instant in season and out of season.” Basically, I think being instant means to be prepared for anything … you never know when a teacher might be absent and YOU might be called into his place.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
John 14:26 New King James Version
However, a blood-bought child of God can always be spontaneous because she knows the Shepherd is always within reach. If the Holy Spirit whispers to your soul and asks you to do something, you can rest assured it is right to reach out. He is the Helper, never more than a heartbeat away.
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This post was written in response to the prompt “spontaneous,” provided by the community at Five Minute Friday. We free write for 5 minutes on the week’s prompt and then share.
In the interest of full disclosure, I wrote my post in 5 minutes; but the headings, scriptures and graphics took longer.
I’m also sharing at Grace & Truth, Inspire Me Monday, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Tell His Story, Let’s Have Coffee, Recharge Wednesday
All photos created in PicMonkey.com by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.
I agree – the best is a mix between pantser and planner. I tend to be a pantser, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized that my spontaneity has more often been the result of me not bothering to plan! I’m getting better at being prepared for anything, even though I’m not great at planning, and I’m okay with that.
Visiting from FMF#19
Love your thoughts on spontaneity. I tend to be more of a planner, so I need to work on being spontaneous. I like what you said about the Shepherd being within reach! That helps me be a little more free, to know the Holy Spirit is helping me and guiding my steps.
Beth, #21 FMF
I like to smell the flowers
as my life goes by,
and leave my fate with powers
a-rumble in the sky.
I figure there’s no room to wiggle
out of the fact, I’m just a man;
they say, “You want to hear God giggle?
Then explain to him your plan.”
So I kick the rock on down the road,
and throw a stick for Fido;
I left behind the heavy load
of deciding where I go;
as on the Christian Way I roam,
every path will take me home.
I am definitely too rigid! Thank you for this encouragement to loosen up!
I love this post. We are fairly similar. I like to make plans and be organized, but I don’t like vacations to carry an agenda. The way you unpacked this to our spiritual life is wise, especailly like, “a blood-bought child of God can always be spontaneous because she knows the Shepherd is always within reach.” So good!
I have areas I want structure, but I also need room for flexibility. Love the photo!
I agree, plan, but allow room for the Holy Spirit!
Jerri great thoughts and insights here. We’ll, I used to be a fly by the seat of my pants kinda gal. But as I age, not so much.
Visiting today from Let’s Have Coffee #17&18
Ahhh, Jerralea, I love the reminder that we don’t have to be ALWAYS spontaneous or always planned. I tend to meander down one path or the other, depending on the circumstances. But I also love what you said about always being ready for when God calls you to something. Great truths here.
A thought-provoking post, Jerralea. I too tend toward planning rather than pants-ing. That means I may have missed nudges from the Holy Spirit, when the need for spontaniety arose! Lord, help me be attentive, flexible, and accepting the spur-of-the-moment!
LOL – I am a spontaneous planner – I have a hard time just packing up to go somewhere with 24 hours notice. I think I still have PTSD from raising so many kids away from family – who’s going to take care of the kids? LOL – As a couple, I am learning. However, I like a good plan and I am much better last minute changes – more graceful and ready for them! Maybe by the time I’m 100, I will be able to fly by the seat of my pants in a moments notice! I’m getting there!