Anytime you see me, I most likely have my planner with me. Just in case I need to check a date or jot something down. I’m a little OCD when it comes to keeping it organized, color coordinated, highlighted… “the works” so that nothing goes unplanned. Summer is quickly approaching, which is a time of rest and relaxation for many. For me, I am in my element, planning away. The family ministry team is working hard to prepare for Vacation Bible School (at all three campuses)! We are gathering volunteer forms, registration sign-ups, craft and game ideas, and every little bit so the weeks run smoothly and children learn about and feel God’s love. Our high school choir, The Experience, is busy preparing for their summer tour to New York City, with songs, dance, and drama. They are stopping along the way to NYC and back to perform, share their story and gifts, and enjoy fellowship with several congregations along the east coast. In July, I am fortunate to join our middle school youth for a week at Lutheridge for confirmation camp. As a former counselor, Lutheridge has a very special place in my heart. I am thrilled to be sharing it with our youth as they experience God’s love in a new way. In August, we will have our 9th grade retreat for our rising high schoolers to bond and grow in their faith together. Sprinkled into that summer calendar are some Fusion night gatherings for the youth to come together for a time of fellowship. And to top it off I am also in the middle of planning my own wedding! You can see how my planner is starting to look pretty full! I am so blessed to be working in a role with such great youth, staff, and wonderful opportunities. I often get so excited (and possibly carried away) with planning and preparing for these events, making sure all of the details are sorted, and schedules and devotions are made, that I often forget to simply be still and allow space for God to do His thing. In Psalm 46:10, we are told, “Be still and know that I am God.” Be still. Slow down. Trust that God is with you and will take care of you. Now, of course, some planning is necessary for meals, transportation, rooms, etc.; we certainly can’t just wing that. But it can be easy to get so caught up in planning and preparations that we forget we don’t need to have every second mapped out. Leave time and space in your day to be still. Be still and welcome God in, whether it’s through an unexpected conversation, a time of meditation, or maybe an unplanned adventure. As I continue to look forward to these summer plans with our youth, I hear God reminding me to be still. Trust that He will be there with us, showing His love in ways that no planner, even one as avid and high-lighter obsessed as me, can imagine. Be still.