Each week and every day I start with a plan. I have a list of tasks I want to complete. I am very goal oriented and my lists help me to stay productive as I work toward achieving my goals.

The day starts with high hopes of completing my whole list, but then come the interruptions. Somehow by the end of the day there are inevitably unfinished tasks on my productivity to do list. While these unfinished tasks often lead to disappointment I am finding that it is helpful to check the D.A.T.A. as to what lead to the in omelets tasks.

The D.A.T.A. I refer to is my analysis that one of two things usually gets in the way of my plans. The interference either comes from Divine Appointments or Temporal Annoyances. This form of evaluation is helpful as I realize that Divine Appointments are opportunities to let the Lord’s work take priority over my plans. Temporal Annoyances happen, and looking back I can discern ways to avoid them in the future.

Just some initial thoughts which I will continue to ponder . . .

Whatever the reason for incomplete tasks, I receive some comfort in knowing what got in the way. In the future I can plan to avoid the Annoyances or appreciate the Lord’s Appointments (to do his work.

(Yes, I have not delineated what constitutes an “Temporal Annoyance” or a “Divine Appointment” but maybe by being vague each of us can evaluate what gets in the way of our plans, appreciate the work that God is calling us to and not be too hard on ourselves when the world gets in the way.)