Rich:

We have talked about negative trends and positive trends this weekend, and this morning we will be talking about taking control of what is trending in your life.

Think about this for a second: are you a plan person or someone who just goes with the flow? When it comes to days off and vacations, Anna and I are the complete opposite in this area. Anna prefers to have some sort of plan of what we are doing, where we are going, and the timeline of events. It does not need to be incredibly detailed, but there needs to be some sort of plan for her to feel happy, comfortable, and excited about the day. I prefer to just make it up as I go. When we have a day off, it is a blank canvas on which to paint some FUN! Why would we take away from the fun by planning?

Of course, even people who prefer to not schedule out certain things are bound by a schedule for other things, such as meetings with other people or appointments with certain entities (car servicing, doctors appointments, haircuts, etc.). Sometimes a schedule is the required operation for success.

So, as we jump into this final idea, I want to ask one beginning question:

In which circumstances in life are you okay with “going with the flow,” and in which circumstances do you prefer/require a schedule?

Scott:

I want you to think about your week for a moment. Sunday afternoon–after this retreat, after the drive home. Monday, the start of the week–dealing with what was done (or undone) from the weekend, going back to work. Tuesday–going to work, making evening plans (or long-term plans), maybe cleaning. Wednesday, midweek–wondering what is coming this weekend and measuring energy levels. Thursday–thinking about what I’ll do tomorrow, wondering if I’ll get it all done this week and whether I have the capacity for more. Friday–I made it to Friday! (It’s already Friday?) What am I doing today? What am I doing tonight? Saturday–rest or play or more work…

Think about your week. What are you choosing to do this week, and what has been chosen for you? There is intentionality in the wording of this question.

What are you choosing to do this week and what will be chosen for you?

Greg:

By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God; put me together again with your Word.
Adorn me with your finest sayings, God; teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands, but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track, but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever— what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say— I always have and always will.
(Psalm 119:105-112, The Message)

Commitment is an interesting thing. I sometimes wish it was something that I just did once, then it was completed. I like to think that I am committed to getting in better shape, but apparently I haven't been as committed as I thought I was.

Commitment isn't something that you either have or don't have and can't really be measured in any single moment. Instead, it's a continual decision and process that you participate in and can only really be measured in hindsight. So, looking back in life,

What things in life do you wish you were more committed to?

What will be different with your commitment to those things moving forward?

Rachel:

This weekend there are a few things that have stuck out to me. When we looked at positive and negative trends, we noticed that along with difficult trends going up, so do the positive trends. The good, the bad, the tough and the positive, the difficult and the beautiful moments are interwoven. It’s the journey that we’re on, not just one day or one moment. The trends aren’t just one moment; there are many moments over time. And it’s better when we’re doing this in community.

Let’s reflect on the scripture Greg just read from Psalm 119:

By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God; put me together again with your Word. 

In this Psalm, the writer thanks God for His words, giving him light on the dark path he’s on, guiding him. He feels like everything is falling apart, but God puts him back together with His word.

In relationship with God, with His word, he finds support. In relationship with each other, we find support.

So here are our last dialogue questions of the weekend, reflecting on what we’ve talked about in the positive trends, the negative trends, and commitment:

How do your relationships with God, yourself, your community, your friends, and your family impact the trends in your life?

How is commitment better with God, yourself, your community, your friends, and your family?