We’re going to be looking at the letter “v” today as we continue to find ways to boost our happiness or improve our attitude. From the article[i] I’ve been using, we find that one way to do so is to plan a vacation.

Apparently vacations can bring a touch of joy to your life, but research has shown that just by planning a vacation, you can reap some mood-boosting benefits. Anticipating and planning a trip brings joy along the way as well.

I understand this one, because I’m a planner at heart. It doesn’t matter what I’m planning, I just like to plan. So anything that I can plan, typically brings great joy to my life.

But what would my life be like if all I did was plan and didn’t actually execute any of my plans? The “someday’s” of life have a tendency to make us melancholy, don’t you think?

“Someday I will go to Hawaii.”

“Someday I will climb that mountain.”

“Someday I will travel across Europe.”

“Someday I will talk to my neighbor about Jesus.”

“Someday I will …”

The problem with “someday’s” is that most of the time, we never get around to doing them.

I asked a group of ladies recently what their bucket list items included. There were some great answers. But then I asked them, “How many of those bucket list items are geared toward God’s mission for your life?”

I’ll ask you the same question. Of all the things you desire to do someday, how many of them have God at the center?

So just think. If planning a vacation can bring joy to our lives, how much more could be added to our lives if we planned to do something for God.

Maybe go on a service trip (we used to call them mission trips). Plan it…and then do it.

Or maybe there is a ministry you’ve wanted to start. Plan it…and then do it.

Maybe you’ve thought about helping the homeless by preparing meals for them. Plan it…and then do it.

Maybe you’ve wondered how to share the message of Jesus with a friend, co-worker or neighbor. Plan it…and then do it.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to read through the Bible in a year. Plan it…and then do it.

Maybe you’ve                                  (fill in the blank). Plan it…and then do it.

I might add, that when we bring God into the planning and its part of His plan for your life, you can guarantee that it will come about. Remember Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)? “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

What are you planning? A vacation? A business venture? A job change? If you’re planning anything, commit it to God. Allow God to be with you in the planning process. Look for ways God shows up in the planning. When you do so, your heart will be filled with anticipation, excitement and joy. Now aren’t those attitude-boosters?

I’m praying for you today, my beloved readers. Thanks for joining me on this journey through the alphabet!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,” Jennifer Rainey Marquez, Good Housekeeping, Vol. 260, No. 4, page 113-115.