Are You Forward-Thinking?
What:
Not getting wrapped up in today; need to spend a little effort to think ahead.
Not reactionary only.
Be pro-active – marriage When spouse has busy stuff ahead; how to support?
-- kids Before they have issues, how can I prepare them ahead of time for what’s coming?
--
Example: Help kids think about college; how to help them think through paying for it, order, timing
Example: Nathan: making rash decisions – quit job to follow God’s p...
Are You Forward-Thinking?
What:
Not getting wrapped up in today; need to spend a little effort to think ahead.
Not reactionary only.
Be pro-active – marriage When spouse has busy stuff ahead; how to support?
-- kids Before they have issues, how can I prepare them ahead of time for what’s coming?
--
Example: Help kids think about college; how to help them think through paying for it, order, timing
Example: Nathan: making rash decisions – quit job to follow God’s path, but not have another path in place. Puts whole family on edge.
Why:
If you’re not planning ahead, then you’re just reacting. Can’t spiritually or emotionally respond as well. Even little things – If spouse works late today and you know he’ll be tired, you can plan ahead to be supportive; make life a little easier for him to recover.
This is one way to show love and support by thinking about the spouse’s schedule and needs. Not just thinking of your own life and schedule. My choices and help can make things easier for him. “Consider others better than yourself.”
If you plan ahead, you make better choices/decisions. You can address it with more thought, get advice, etc. Example: Move living space to one floor before you are too aged to do it; before you are forced to need it.
Good stewardship. If not prepared, you could end up wasting money. Which causes stress and conflict with spouse! Financial problems! Reduces future stress if you plan ahead!
How:
Plan time together to think and talk about upcoming schedules, life events, options, changes, the future. Your future together, your kids’ futures, preparation needed, ministry changes, church stuff. Spend time practically thinking about the future. Help set yourself up for facing things in the future.
Categories:
Kids to college – you can help out on multiple levels; prepare couple for empty nest, different challenges – mow grass when older.
Changes coming up in kids’ lives and how it affects us.
Health
Finances
Relationship changes – moves, kids getting married/accepting new in-laws,
Idea:
Same with a church. When pastor is old and thinking of retiring, the church can think ahead and prepare for next steps. How to help old pastor ease out, how to look for new pastor, how to aid church in unified decision-making. Forward-thinking is helpful for all aspects of life.
If one spouse changes jobs/ministries, loses jobs; if start new ministry, takes up extra time; how does this affect spouse?
Scripture: You wouldn’t build a tower without counting the cost. Live wisely. Wisdom. Make most use of your time, resources; 10 virgins didn’t plan ahead. Faithful steward.
