Organize (D)

Word of the Year.

I am sure that you have seen and heard of those who have one word that represents their goal for the year. I have written about it in the past. It is an interesting concept. On one hand, it does help keep one focused on a goal or reflection. Yet, on the other hand, it can limit the scope of possibilities for the year.

Sometimes, choosing these words take a long time of reflection. One might not even be able to choose a word for the year until March. Other times, the word is constantly showing up in one’s life- as if the cosmos has already decided for you.

For me, the word this year is “organize(d)”. Seems as if that word is popping up all around me.

Just recently, we have a neighbor who said that while his mother and sister were visiting, they were critiquing his cabinets and telling him that he had to “get organized” before the birth of his son. From what I have seen, this friend is quite organized but it made me wonder about our home. Perhaps the frustration that I have been feeling recently, is due to the fact that I cannot find anything where I “think” it is located.

Lest you think otherwise, this is NOT how our cupboards look but it is how they seem to me when I am trying to find something.

Looking at our basement, I realize that we need to “get organized”. We have lived in our current home for three years. Once the initial renovations were completed, we put away all the items from our numerous cardboard boxes. At that stage of the move, we just wanted the boxes emptied and the items behind closed doors. “We’ll sort and arrange those things later,” as we pushed the bulging closet doors with our hip.

Well, later has come. We need to get organized!

I have been thinking about that word: organize(d).

The Cambridge Dictionary defines organize (or organise- UK spelling): to do or arrange things, plans, ideas, etc., according to a particular system so that they can be used or understood easily.

What I like about the word “organize” is that it is a verb, and that when acted upon, items or ideas can be easily grasped- physically or intellectually. I think of how much time I waste and the frustration of not knowing where some item is. Or, because of too much “stuff” in the way, I do not want to go through the cupboard or closet to find the said item and so I do without or I have to purchase another. What a waste.

And so, this year, I am going “to get organized”. I am so tired of looking at my to-do list and not completing it. I write the item on the list and then keep transcribing it to another list. My failure to complete the list is partly because I do not have a plan in how I will accomplish the task and so I do not know how to begin.

But, as I have written before and as I have recognized, there is a balance between organization and some type of serendipity especially as it comes to schedules and accomplishing goals. I don’t want to be so regimented and so bound by an organizational structure that I cannot be spontaneous. Yet I cannot be completely spontaneous because then I will not accomplish anything.

In my recent Education for Ministry class at our church, we were discussing the word organize(d) and the word associations with it. “Structure” was the association that we came upon. We then looked at the pros/cons of the word structure. One of my classmates felt that structure is limiting to creativity. And while there is some truth to it, I find that structure- broadly based- aides and guides creativity. For how many of us, do better in editing/correcting a written document rather than starting with a blank page? It is much easier to write when one is given a topic or direction rather than carte blanche for anything.

And so, I need to “get organized” this year. I want to do so in our home. But I have also been thinking about “getting organized” with my health and physical care, in my maintenance of relationships and in my writing. The idea of getting organized is really about intentionality. What do I find important and how will I intentionally do what I need and want to do?

What about you? Do you have a word of the year? Do you want to get organized? How are you going to go about it? Is the organizing a physical one? A mental one? Or a spiritual one? The word “organize” also contains within it, the actions of planning and execution. Perhaps it is not so much the organizing that I need, but the planning and then, more importantly, the execution and completion of that plan.

How are you planning on living this year? How are you going to intentionally live into that plan?

What is the word that will help you achieve that?

Happy Accident

When our family gets together we have odd discussions. Although, the more I live, the more I realize that every family has odd discussions in their own way. It’s a slight different variation of Tolstoy’s idea of happy and unhappy families, yet the point is that the way families interact are sometimes similar.

Over the holidays we were all enjoying a delicious cheesecake made by our son. As we ate, we started wondering-what exactly is cream cheese? Which then led to a discussion of how does one make any type of cheese? Which generated a discussion of rennet and what the heck was that? [Rennet: curdled milk from the stomach of an unweaned cow. It contains multiple enzymes which aid in the process of curdling the casein (main protein) in milk.]

As we all remarked and wondered- how did this first happen? Who “discovered” the process and more perplexing- who was brave enough to eat it? Perhaps many, many years ago in slaughtering a young cow, it was noticed that part of its stomach (there are four stomachs and this “rennet” is found in the third chamber) had a “curdled” type of milk? Or did some of the contents accidentally drop into a bucket of milk and then it was noticed that the consistency changed? Was it just by accident that the curdling and rennet were discovered? Certainly that discovery has changed the way people eat.

So many processes, inventions or ideas that were happy “accidents”: fluky things that happened which totally changed an outcome. Or what was originally planned was not the final outcome. New ideas developing from planned ideas not going quite as planned. It reminds me to not hold too tightly my plans, ideas or schedules.

A new year always brings about a demarcation: time to think of what went on in the past year and what ideas or plans for the future one. New Year’s is a time to reflect on those things: what to discard or to keep and what ideas or thoughts to investigate in the coming year. Many people like the one word idea of “resolutions”: one word to describe either how they will behave, think or react in the new year. The cream cheese makes me think of two words: happy accident.

I am reminded that if we look for it, we can discover new possibilities. I know that it is so easy for me to be so focused on what I have planned and ensuring that things go according to plan that I can miss seeing the beauty of something new and different.

Certainly with this ongoing house remodeling I have been a witness to many a happy accident. Much of the project has not gone according to plan. But, when all is said and done (and we hope that will occur before next new year!) what will be accomplished is more (and better) than we originally planned. I am always reminded of a dear friend who said many times the projects that she was involved in would have some type of snafu. But, the remodeled-change-in plans was almost always better than what was imagined.

What about you? Have you ever stumbled upon something that was better than originally planned? Or you discovered something completely unintentionally?

So for this coming year, I am re-thinking the planning mode in my new year’s goal. Trying to be a little less anxious over controlling outcomes and more present and aware of each day as it unfolds. Whatever will happen, will happen and to let it be.

For who knows what happy accident is just around the corner?

Planning- Overrated?

People plan. God laughs. So the old adage goes.

Recently I’ve thought about planning. As I have shared before, I am a planner. I have my to-do lists and I like nothing better than to tick the box that I have completed a task. This past winter, we have been orchestrating some home improvement projects on our Cape home. A couple of weeks ago we had scheduled the final arrangements for the projects to be completed. I was to go up to oversee and I had asked my brother to accompany me.

At the same time, I was having a tough time getting my second Covid vaccine appointment. As luck would have it, when I received my first dose, the second dose needed to be scheduled when I was out of town at the Cape. I had seven different workman coming at various times to complete the Cape projects. Some of whom had already been rescheduled due to changes in their schedules. It would be too difficult to change all of them again. Unfortunately, at the mass vaccine site where I had received my first dose, there were no scheduling alternatives other than the one date given.

I could never get hold of anyone for re-scheduling the vaccine. As my four-week window for the vaccination was approaching I was getting a little panicky. Meanwhile, I had travelled south to pick up my brother for our trip. We were to spend the night back at our house and then head up north the next day. During the ride back to our house from his, our car decided to inform us (with the new computer systems it is quite like the head strong computer from A Space Odyssey) that our brakes needed to be checked.

Oh bother, I thought. Just what we need. This is going to back up our schedule. We had to delay our trip so that our accommodating mechanics could squeeze us in and fix the brakes. Being at home on the day that we originally planned to travel, allowed me to look online and see if I could possibly schedule a vaccine dose at the Cape.

Sure enough, I was able to get one. Turns out it was exactly on the date that I would’ve had originally through the mass vaccine center. Exactly four-weeks. When I got the appointment, I started smiling knowing that God had this planned all along. I just needed to trust Him.

If we had not had the brake warning light, I would’ve been in the car and unable to schedule any online appointments. And, if I had received my vaccine after getting home, I would’ve been out of commission for a day or so because I did have a pretty strong reaction to the second vaccine. At the Cape, I had the time to rest and sleep because thankfully, no workman were scheduled on the day following my injection. Perfect timing.

In addition, originally we were to travel home on a specific day so that, on the off-chance, if I did receive notice for scheduling a second vaccine we would be home. Because I already received my second dose while at the Cape, I did not have to be home on any specific day. Two of our workman appointments had to be rescheduled again, for the date that we would’ve been traveling south. When I realized I already had the vaccine and wasn’t pressed for time, I was able to get all the workman rescheduled and so I was able to “tick the boxes” of the items we needed to complete.

Whew. A lot of coordinating but it worked out.

It makes me think of the things about which we are bothered. For me, it is the change in a plan or schedule that sets things off. Many things are like dominoes- this needs to happen before this, and this, etc. When one of the items changes and then another item has to change, I can start to feel panicky and anxious. Or if one of the items doesn’t happen, then everything goes awry.

Or does it?

Looking back, there are many times that because of delays or changes, something better occurs. My two travel delays because of the car, Covid vaccine and workman, all worked out. I have a dear friend who used to say that when she was planning on a project, if it changed or something didn’t work out, many times that unexpected was better than what was originally thought or planned.

Every time I have a change in schedule I have to remind myself of that: the unexpected may be better than the original plan. One would think that I would’ve learned this lesson already. There are countless times when the plan doesn’t happen as originally scheduled. And, you would think that I would have definitely learned this lesson during this Covid time: things change often and sometimes rapidly. Yet, I am continually learning to take a deep breath, let things happen and realize that what will occur might possibly be even better than expected.

What about you? Any experience or stories of delays or changes that amounted to something better or beneficial for you?

Perhaps we need a new adage: People revise plans. God smiles.

Be Prepared AKA “Leave it nice for the Buglars”

Years ago a friend of ours recounted the story of her neighbors who had gone away on vacation. She was on the phone list for the neighbor’s alarm system to be called if anything was wrong. On night, she was awoken by a call from the police saying that the alarm had sounded and they were called out to investigate. They wanted her to come over to the home and indicate if there was anything amiss.

My friend dutifully complied. She entered the living room and noticed drawers opened, piles of clothing, and sporting equipment dumped in the entryway, lamps askew, and clutter strewn throughout the house. Total chaos. My friend looked at the officer and said, “Nope. Nothing’s amiss. This is how their house looks all the time.”

My grandmother as she aged was always worried that upon her death those entering would shake their heads and say, “What a shame. She always kept such a clean, neat house but she deteriorated so much that she just couldn’t keep up her house.”

I am starting to have the same fear. Or at least when I get ready for vacation, that is in the back of my mind. What if something happened to me? What would people say who entered my house?

In preparation for vacation there is always an extra push to get the house in order so that 1) I will not have my neighbors’ respond, “Oh. It was always in disarray.” and 2) I can continue the vacation feeling when I return home because the house is all in order.

It is the old “be prepared” Girl Scout motto.

There is something satisfying to have things neatly wrapped up: laundry done, folded and put away, email correspondences sent, projects completed, upcoming responsibilities sorted out, the to-do list checked, the house clean and neat. Having a specific date for leaving and returning helps me set goals and actually accomplish them. Similar to the idea that nothing gets a room painted faster than having someone come for a holiday visit. Having finished what I have started also helps build confidence in the next venture. That satisfying feeling starts to override any inertia I may initially have.

This year, my broken wrist/surgeries and the COVID quarantine has reinforced my motto- “never put off tomorrow what you can do today”. For if I find I have some time to do something, I need to do it because that time will not come back again. Or the time that was to be set aside in the future is no longer available.

Of course, there is only so much, if any, preparation an individual can do with a global pandemic or an accident but having most things in order or trying to keep thing organized does help when unforeseen chaos happens. One can handle the disruption knowing that the basics are in good shape.

What about you? How are you in vacation prep? ( Do you remember what vacation is?) This year has been quite an unusual one, so many of you may not have had any chance to go on a vacation. But when/if you did- what do you do for the preparation?

How are the basics in your life? Home. Finances. Health. Do they need organization? A plan? How can you get things in order so that you are prepared for whatever might come down your path?

Is there any difference in your home whether you live there or thieves have disrupted the environment?

Do you leave your home nice and organized for the burglars?

Carefully Planned

I am reading Anne Morrow Lindbergh book, War Within and Without. It is the last of her “diary/journal/memoir” five part series of books starting with her flight adventures with aviator husband Charles continuing through the kidnap, death and publicity craziness and grief of their first born son, then their living in England and France in “exile” to escape the prying eyes and now settling back in the states at the beginning of WWII when Europe is engaging into war.

Found book at a "Free Little Library”.

It is a fascinating look into the mindset of Americans during this period of history (the time before America entered the war), especially as Anne writes as the history is unfolding, almost in a “real time” viewpoint all the while we are reading it knowing the outcome of history. While Lindbergh has been vilified at times and definitely found with feet of clay (a decade or so ago it was disclosed of his three mistresses and their collective families). It is an honest look at a flawed hero and heroine of our time.

I am finding many parallels to our current political situation and while it is alarming (we as a society should take note), it is also comforting in knowing that if things should happen again we can prevail.

One light hearted anecdote occurs early on in the memoir. Anne is describing a delightful weekend that Charles and she experienced with a French diplomat. Anne, who was the interpreter for Charles and the guest thoroughly enjoyed the visit as this gentleman asked questions of her too, as a writer and about mutual books. The intellectual exercise in their discourse and discussions was enjoyed by all three of them.

At one point in the recounting, Anne says that all three of them were having a deep and lively discussion as they were driving from one location to another. The car suddenly stopped. The reason- out of gas. Charles had forgotten to fill up before they took off!

Anne doesn’t elaborate too much only that it was astonishing for Charles to be so unprepared and only underscored how intrigued he was in their discussions. After all, aviator Charles A. Lindbergh was the king supreme of the check-list. In fact, the preflight checks that are standard with airplanes were designed by Charles. He had checklists for everything. Even his discussions with his children and their goals and plans were kept in checklist form on index cards.

Just goes to show you that to ere is human.

I enjoy hearing about human foibles. Not for the purpose of gloating but more for the purpose of identity: we are all in the same boat and we are all in the position of needing humility. Any human who seems “perfect” is not. Just look at the news and the darling of yesterday is the scourge of tomorrow.

I also am encouraged when I hear that even planners forget to plan and that even the best laid plans can go awry. It is another way of remaining humble: we may carefully plan situations but most often they may take another turn. That isn’t to say that we shouldn’t plan what we can. It is just that we need to be open to whatever turns the plans may take.

The Bible has many verses talking about acknowledging plans and asking for guidance:

“I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper and not to harm you.” Jeremiah 29:11

“Ask and it will be given you” Matthew 5; 7

Although I think many people might view these verses as “ask the genie in the bottle”/fairy-godmother type verse. God is not like that. He is powerful and almighty and deserves and expects reverence. The thing is, His plans are the best. In our limited viewpoint, we sometimes think that we know the best for ourselves. After all, isn’t that what all the self-help books are about- the individual helping his/herself? Not that there isn’t good information in those type of books. It is just that while we are to “know thyself”, we need to rely on the One who created us and His knowing of ourselves.

I sometimes need to be reminded that it is in the spirit of humility when I ask, then I receive. When I trust, I do not worry about harm.

Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Proverbs 16:19 “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Proverbs 3: 5,6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

What about you? Are you a planner? Do you have trouble relinquishing control of your life? Have you ever had an incident where the very thing for which you are known, you negatively experienced? (Like planner Lindbergh running out of gas?) How did that play out? Was it embarrassing? Did you laugh it off as another humbling incident?

I have recently taken Proverbs 19:21 to heart. While I have many plans in my heart- for myself, family and friends- I recognize that God’s purpose will prevail. And I choose that.

Plan to Dive

A friend of mine shared the expression, “Plan to dive and dive to plan.” This was the motto when in his younger years he was a salvage diver. The idea is that you plan carefully how, where and when you are diving as well as what you are to retrieve, etc. Get all things ready according to that plan. Then, when you are ready to dive, do not deviate from that plan. Stick to it. If so, all who are diving with you know the score, what is the expectation and most likely the outcomes will be favorable. If there is a problem, it can be dealt with in a systematic way since all the other bases are covered.

Sounds easy? Right?

I find that I can be all about the plan but then things happen and I have to accommodate, rearrange and adapt. For the longest time I found that extremely frustrating. However, I have come to realize that by planning/scheduling things, I am in a better position to handle the new accommodations and rearrangements. It allows me to have a little bit of control when things are seemingly out of control. Planning allows me the space to make choices and the capacity to think for myself.

On vacation our son played for us a podcast about personal agency. In essence, the speaker offers some suggestions on how to handle stressors in our lives and become the personal agent for ourselves. (Using the idea of someone who comes alongside and gives advice and direction for someone’s professional life, e.g. sports agent or literary agent) None of the suggestions are groundbreaking but are still noteworthy: surround yourself with positive people; stop multi-tasking; practice healthy behaviors of proper exercise, diet, sleep; manage your emotions; become a life-long learner. The goal is to keep yourself open to making good decisions and being clear minded. (Click here to hear the podcast.) I find that with good planning I can be open and clear-minded for whatever comes my way.

I think too of this past week and the remembrance and revisit of the Apollo moon landing. One of the reasons it was successful was that it was carefully planned and executed. There were some tense minutes when it appeared that there was a computer glitch. Fortunately there were some computer engineers who had prepped for something like that. A couple of weeks before the mission the flight director, Gene Kranz asked that they be prepared for every conceivable computer alarm that might register. They had run every combination of problems and its solutions. So, when there was an issue, they were prepared and (relatively) calm.

What I liked about the the podcast and about my friend’s motto is that, while none of us really has any control over our lives or the lives of others, we still can do what we can to make the best of any given situation.

We may never have to plan a moon landing, but we can plan for what we know or think might be possible. I think that is being wise. Of course, we can be so tied to a plan that we miss the opportunities that mishaps can bring. Yet, I think when we feel comfortable and confident in a plan we can be open to those opportunities.

We all know that glitches will happen. We know that life is not a controlled experiment. Yet, we can be as best prepared so that when things do go awry, we can handle in the best possible way. Maybe even having enough emotional, physical and mental margin to help someone else with their glitches. Isn’t that the true reason for planning- having space to help others because I have given myself that space?

What about you? Are you a planner? Down to the latest details? And all possible combinations of situations? Or are you a fly by the seat of your pants person? Whatever happens, happens? How does either of those situations work for you?