Like many fathers, my dad had favorite short sayings that he used regularly when trying to guide or discipline his sons. 

Dad would often assign us tasks or chores that had varying levels of complexity.    ​When we seemed a little confused about how to get started or understand the exact nature of what he wanted from us he would inevitably say, with a hint of irritation, “do I need to draw you a blueprint?"

I used to think that it would be a good thing if we came equipped with our own personal blueprint to guide us through life starting at “A” progressing to “B” fulfilling the things that we were supposed to be doing here on earth.  It would make a lot of stuff easier.  Questions like who to marry, what we should pursue as a vocation, whether or not to have children and a host of other things would become straight forward; just follow the blueprint.

However, thinking about this a little more I realized there might be a number of things I would choose not to do because the blueprint would reveal difficulties and hardships in my life including its inevitable end.  Knowing what was coming might cause a sort of paralysis preventing me from doing the things that I ought to do.  Knowing what was coming would also have an effect on that gift given to us called “faith”.  Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God.  A blueprint to follow would have a very real negative effect on my reliance on God.

My conclusion and my answer to dad would be that I prefer to go through life without the blueprint.  There is however a level of responsibility that requires us to make good decisions using the three tools we’ve been given, scripture, prayer, and faith.

Karen and I would like to invite you to make a decision to support through prayer and finances the work of AT Catalyst.  We seek to help disabled children in low resourced settings to get the technology and long-term care they need to lead productive lives.  Please visit The A.T. Catalyst web site for information about what we do and an opportunity to donate.

Phil Rispin

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