I Tried To Plan With Broken Parts

This post is by Sabeth Kapahu. 

A recent “how was work?” conversation with my hubby got me thinking about the effectiveness of the parts of my life that give structure to my Plan Time. Let me explain.

My husband is a technician who often visits clients to fix their machines. He has an extensive knowledge of all the working parts and connections needed for maximum performance. Think motherboards, driver updates, a fully loaded tool bag, etc.  It’s remarkable how intricate the things are that we use on a regular basis. Sometimes, after the work of taking apart a machine, replacing the broken piece, putting it back together, and testing it, there is still a problem. Sometimes, the problem is the freshly installed part. This calls for a replacement, again.

This got me wondering. How many times have I replaced a broken part in my plans with a damaged piece and expected maximum performance? 

While seeking to formulate a M.A.P “Morning Anchor Plan,” for my days I set goals and make plans that I hope will achieve maximum performance. But if I am not careful, I use damaged parts.

It’s too easy to replace what is not working for us with what we see working for someone else. We replace systematic theology with five minutes of scripture memorization. We replace accountability with gracious self tracking. We replace sugar snacks with more frequent carb loads. If these resonate with you, you’re in good company. It’s not that the replacement part isn’t needed. It is just that it might not result in the best version of ourselves; the version God has created us to be. We are uniquely designed for specific reasons. We need different parts.

All over the world people are rethinking what constitutes maximum performance. We are planning and adjusting to a never before “normal.” In this season where we are forced to adjust our plans we have been given a gift. We have a chance to explore and discover who God has created us to be and for what specific reasons He’s given us personalized passions and perceptions. The more we get to know who God has called us to be the better equipped we are to operate at maximum performance.

I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Hello Mornings Productivity Course. I can say with utmost sincerity that Kat’s guiding principles and applicable steps are calling me to do the hard work of replacing the broken parts of my days with anchors that will sustain me for long term maximum performance. 

There is a lot I am uncertain about during this time in history. But, I can be certain that there is a plan for my life; for each of our lives. For each of the “hats” we wear throughout the day, we can trust God is the sustainer of His plan. If we seek Him, He will reveal it to us. It doesn’t mean the journey will be easy, or each day full of clarity. He doesn’t promise a pain free experience, or good news 100% of the time. But, He does promise He will give us peace and help and hope. This means we can live each of our days with disciplines that make a difference. We can choose to do the hard work of finding what’s broken, and the even harder work of replacing it with the right piece. We’ll need an extensive knowledge of the parts and technical connections, but the good news is He’s given that to us in His Word. 

My prayer is that as we walk through these seasons of unknown we are strengthened, sustained, and spurred to action by the hope of His call, the wisdom of His word, and foundation of His Kingdom plan. There is nothing else that will sustain us more than moving when He calls, staying still when He commands, and living within our God given gifts.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Sabeth Kapahu is a wife, a mom to four, and a friend to many. She’s passionate about encouraging others through good words and solidarity. She seeks to develop the potential in others through community building, and sharing life together, and seeking Jesus. She can be found on social media via: Instagram @sabethkapahu Facebook: Sabeth Kapahu

Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash