We live in Tentative Times; we always have!

Lately I've been having a fun time scheduling things. I really have. There is not a huge section of my life that is truly organized. OK, there probably isn't a small section either, except when it comes to Contacts and Calendar-courtesy of Apple and Microsoft respectively. Since I've become a pastor most everything big I do, or person I meet with, is put on my electronic calendar. If something happens, and it gets canceled, no harm, no foul. I just electronically delete it.

Now that Amy is due in two weeks, everything I plan becomes extremely tentative. And all the more so as the Vday (or technically B-day for birthday, but I like WWII terms better sometimes) approaches. So now I'll tell people when I plan something with them, "We'll say 'tentatively' Tuesday at noon" or something like that. I even have to have back up plans for preaching this Sunday, and for my report on the floor of presbytery next Tuesday. I seriously do have a "Pinch Preacher." No lie. Hope you don't have to see or hear him.

Anyhow, I got to thinking, as I sometimes do, and thought, "Everything is ultimately tentative." Nothing is set in stone. There really isn't a need to add 'tentatively' to my plans. There is a tentativeness about life that should simply be presupposed. James 4:13-ff reminds us to say, "If the Lord wills, we will do this or that."

However, I don't think we need a literal recitation of these words every time we make plans. In fact it bothers me sometimes when people have to say EVERYTIME "Lord willing, I will see you tomorrow." I know everything depends upon Lord willing. I'm Reformed and know that all things happen according to God's Sovereign will.

Maybe I need reminders of that truth sometimes. But it does sound unnecessarily redundant if I already presume EVERYTHING is according the Lord's will. Maybe I'm just being picky, but you don't need to say "Lord willing to me" every time you see me. Thanks.