by Laurie Green

I love the fall in Arkansas. It is seriously one of my most favorite seasons. It’s probably due to the cooler temperatures that roll around, but I like to think it’s because the back-to-school routine makes me feel like I’ve hit the reset button. It’s funny because I no longer have kids at home who are in school, but there’s something about walking through Walmart with all the rows of school supplies, calendars and planners that makes me feel like it’s time to get organized. Seriously, I have an Erin Condren planner, my highlighters, stickers and the motivation; however, I am also a self-proclaimed professional procrastinator!

A word of caution here to all of my “non-procrastinator” friends. You may have some trouble reading these next few lines, so plan accordingly. (See what I did there). After years of feeling ashamed for my lack of planning ahead, I have learned to embrace this part of my personality. To understand me, you need to know where this comes from. 

I am a daughter of Martha Roberts, the most renowned professional procrastinator of Greenbrier. I grew up in a home where my mother did everything the night before…from homemade prom dresses to school science projects. It was like she became a different person when it was “crunch time,” and her creativity and skills were enhanced by the rush of a deadline. And every single time, she came through, and it always appeared she spent months, not hours, doing the work. So it’s only natural that my siblings and I have developed this same sort of skill as I prefer to call it; but let’s be honest, procrastinators get a bad rap.

For years, I felt like I had to apologize and feel bad because I wasn’t a plan-ahead kind of girl, but the truth is, God created each of us unique and special. I absolutely believe the world would be a terribly boring place if we were all the same. And while in all seriousness, this article is a lighthearted laugh at my procrastination, there is some truth to be seen throughout. 

In Romans 12:6 it says, “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well…” So when you hear me tease that procrastination is my gifting, well it just may be! And being a planner and a scheduler may just be something you’re gifted with. It’s perfectly acceptable for us to co-exist and embrace each other’s personality.

The truth is, God has placed some really special friendships in my life, Proverbs 27:17 (iron sharpening iron) type of friends. This is my core group who will call me out and correct me in a biblical way. And while each of us is totally different and skilled with different gifts and personalities, God has crafted a friendship bond that is strong, and we complement each other. I feel like these God-given friendships are where we are able to bloom and be exactly who we were called to be. 

I may be the worst at planning an event, but this is where my tribe of friends steps in. Fortunately, I have been blessed with friends who are the “plan for months in advance” type of people, and they fill in any gaps that I may have. And rest assured, I am there to remind them, when life gets crazy and plans fall through, of Proverbs 16:9, “We can make our own plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

It’s all about finding that sweet place in your relationship with Jesus, the place where you finally understand all the worry in the world won’t change a single thing, but where you realize that a moment in His presence can change everything! Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”  

I honestly get to decide as I wake up each day to have complete trust in Jesus and just relax in the comfort that if I choose to follow Him, He is going to make all things work together for my good. What may seem like a plan gone astray could possibly be a divine appointment by God if we choose to pay attention to the opportunity around us. It’s all about perspective. 

After all, God is ultimately at the center of every planner and procrastinator alike, and that gives me great comfort to accept who I am called to be.