Proverbs 6:6-8 “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer, or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.” NKJV
At breakneck speed and void of any plan, I scanned the aisles of the mega-store. My shopping cart quickly filled with an assortment of items for which I offered no pre-thought, no preparation, and no list. I was reduced to grabbing from the very limited choices remaining on the almost bare shelves. Truth be told, it was zero-hour and I had completely forgotten about our Christmas stockings.
The thought of my little ones waking up the next morning to discover their stockings hanging limp on the mantle caused heart palpitations for this generally well-prepared momma. How had I allowed other things to take precedence over my own children? I had hosted church functions, attended parties with my husband, bought and delivered gifts for the police toy drive, and Christmas caroled on the doorsteps of our elderly – all things held in high esteem, yet somehow, I had overlooked my greatest responsibility.
My frantic impulse purchases took my mind to random thoughts, and I recalled the proverb above. Oh, how I longed at that moment to be the ant: prepared for tomorrow, at ease over upcoming plans, with no fear of the future.
My Christmas stocking debacle remains my reminder of intentionally planning for what lies ahead. My future belongs to a loving, heavenly Father and an eternity spent with Him. This earthly journey provides unlimited opportunities for all things good: PTO involvement, grocery store runs, date nights with my favorite guy, and mountains of laundry. Yet, in the midst of all things good, have I been mindful of what is best? Have I shown love for my fellow humans? Have I been intentional in the way I have parented my children, instilling in them a love of God over a love of man? Have I mentored others along the way who need the expertise of the many mistakes I have made? Have I invested heart and soul into my relationship with God, providing me firm hope in His mercy and grace?
Considered the ant. It assures its provisions for the day yet never disregards the harvest of the future. Like this ant, life can be consumed with our day-to-day agenda. But are we making intentional choices of importance, assuring our future is secure? Remember, dear Sisters, in the same way that Christmas stockings do not fill themselves, (trust me on that!) our future does not happen by chance.
Father God, may our choices in life be made with intentionality towards a blessed future with You.
Blessings for the Christmas Season,
Rita Cochrane