Gotta Think Ahead (05/13/2026)

It’s my strength but also my shortcoming: spontaneity. It means I am comfortable winging it. It also can be problematic because it means I don’t always think ahead. Yesterday morning was a prime example.

It was a hectic morning as I tried to get several things done before I needed to leave for a scheduled lunch with a friend. I looked at the clock and realized that it was time to leave; I had a 20+ mile drive and only 30 minutes before I needed to be there. I grabbed my coat, put it on, buttoned all the buttons, and headed to the garage door when it dawned on me thanks to a biological urge that I needed to use the bathroom before I left. I walked back into the house, unbuttoned my coat and threw it over the chair, took care of my personal errand, went back, got my coat, and returned to the garage. As I grabbed the doorknob, I said to myself out loud, “Girl, you gotta think ahead.”

Yesterday, I realized though that I am not the only one who doesn’t always think things through or plan ahead. It was very windy. As I drove down Main Street, I spied a woman with long hair, hold her hair to one side. I giggled to myself and bet that she was telling herself, “Girl, you gotta think ahead.” A hairband or even a rubber band would have been a great accessory for a very windy day for a long-tressed lady. I bet she thought so, too.

We are encouraged to be present, people in the moment. But we also need to be people who realize that there’s more than this moment. We shouldn’t waste our presents worrying about the future, but before we leap into the future, we may want to give it some thought. It’s a delicate balance, don’t you know.

As I was pondering my day and thinking about my lack of thinking ahead, my mind locked in on what I hope is ahead for me – life with my LORD in abundance. And I realized that I gotta think ahead because there will come a time when I must account for myself. Did I believe with all my mind and heart in Jesus Christ, Son of God, my savior? Did I love my LORD with all my strength and being and love others as He loves us?

I believe my spontaneity is a gift of the Spirit. And I believe that in those moments I am asked to choose wisely. They aren’t exclusive. Both can be true at the same time. I think I’m going to order a shirt with “Gotta Think Ahead” to remind me what’s at stake.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.