Don’t you want to know where you are going before you get there? I mean, if you were told, “Hey, let’s go to the coast” or “Let’s head to the river, mountains…” Fill in the blank. You would most likely want to know where you are going and how to get there. Many of us are detailed planners. Especially as a writer, if I don’t have an idea of what I’m going to write, then what’s the point? For some, they must be able to see the end before putting pen to paper.
Is life similar? Do you make decisions based on seeing the big picture? Or are you able to take that first step without knowing what’s next? If you are like the latter, then I applaud you. You are among the few. But if you are like me, I usually need a detailed map up to where the next Buc-ee’s is and if I am going to need change for a toll road or two. And thank God for Google Maps.
I guess I’ve had a foot in both worlds. I like knowing what comes next, but I also love the sense of adventure that not knowing brings. In writing, we call it Plantsing. Okay, a Planner has a detailed outline. A Pantster flies by the seat of their pants, no outline. A Plantster is a blend of the two. A soft outline, perhaps knowing how the book will end, but not exactly sure how they will get there. And that ending could change should the characters decide they are not happy with what is being written.
Life is somewhat like this. We can live playing it safe, only taking the next step if we know it is what we’re supposed to do. Or we can remove the leash and take risks, moving forward not knowing what to expect. It makes me think of the scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where Indy is in the cave looking across the expanse. He knows he needs to cross but must take that first step. A leap of faith. Only when he steps does he see the bridge that was always there. It’s when we take that step of faith that we see the whole picture.
What challenges are you facing right now? What gaps are there that you don’t think you can cross? There is a bigger picture out there that often takes choosing to take that first step in order to see the whole picture and what God has provided us to succeed.
In times of doubt, we need to pray for clarity. Prayer helps. A close friend’s guidance, a verse from His Word can sometimes leap out at you and bring clarity. You never know when that voice will come, telling you this is the way; walk in it.
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