Her splinter, my plank

Sat down last night with Christian sister S-- and looked at her resume. I wanted to help her find a job, which necessitates her knowing God's calling/direction, and motivation. There wasn't much of either, which made the atmosphere heavy and intimidating. I was trying to make it lighthearted, but it was one of those deeper/serious issues in life. But you have to know where I'm coming from...

I have detailed plans for the rest of my life: immuno research next yr or two, M Div from seminary within that time, med school following, meet girl 1st yr med school, married 2nd yr of med school, adopt 3 kids (Hispanic, Af Am, Cauc.), named 4 of my kids (Ester, Cherish, Emmanual, David [after King David]), med missions for several years in China, S. Africa, E Europe, Kosovo. Retire from med and go into mission field again, where I will pass away. Detailed eh?

Proverbs: In his heart a man makes his plans, but God directs his path. Above list is all of my narrow-minded/short-sighted plans. Especially about meeting the girl in 1st yr med, yeah right I have any control over that.

So, according to my personality type, I didn't really understand what the problem was. Why didn't she have it all worked out. Well, rarely are people as psychotic as myself. Plus, there is an important lesson for me to learn in all of this. You see, I cannot budget for the life of me. I make good money but it disappears miraculously. I owe people big time, as well. What the heck! I don't excessively shop or even go to movies for that matter. But my sister talks to me with the same tone of voice like I talked to S-- last night. My sister is a master budgeter. She can't understand my irresponsibility. I become a whipped puppy when my sister trashes my financial irresponsibility. So... as S-- was, so am I.

Last night after coming to this realization, I sat down and wrote down a budget for the first time. Amazingly my next paycheck disappeared into the redline and expenses owed instantly. But at least I get to see it before it happened this time, instead of as it's happening. Though really, I've learned to be more responsible because I've seen my own inadequacy, which makes me more compassionate and understanding when it comes to helping S-- for she is a dear sister to me.