When Plans Are a Tossup, Live in Grace
As an introvert, I admit I’m happy some of my events are cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns, even though I hate that’s the reason.
It’s just that I love being at home.
But one event in particular that I do NOT want to be cancelled is A Night of Harmony with Bob Goff in a town near me in late April.
Words of Love from Bob
If you’ve ever listened to Bob Goff in person or a podcast, or read through his books, you already know what a treasure he is. We especially need his enthusiasm, optimism, and faith in this time of fear.
But in any season, his words ring true and bring hope.
Listen to these quotes from his new 365-day devotion, Live in Grace, Walk in Love:
“Make your life about people and you won’t regret it.”
“It’s so much easier to love people with our intentions than to love them in real life.”
“We forget Jesus didn’t ask us to have all the answers. He also doesn’t need us to be the hall monitors of other people’s conduct. He had a few strong words for the people who appointed themselves as protectors of truth. Jesus simply asked us to follow Him, not to monitor who everyone else is.”
“Love isn’t something we do, like a job. It’s someone we become, like Jesus.“
“Loving God started to make more sense when I realized loving a God I couldn’t see was a lot like loving the people He made and put all around me.”
Plan to Love
My husband Jeff and I heard Bob Goff in person a year ago, also at A Night of Harmony. He radiated love and joy the second he walked out on the stage to speak. And that love and joy stuck with us for a long time afterwards.
I hope we don’t have to miss the opportunity to repeat that experience this year.
But even if the event gets canceled (it seems likely) and I can’t hear Bob Goff in person, I’m grateful to be reading Bob Goff’s words every day this year. Live in Grace, Walk in Love is a beautiful testament to what God wants each of us to do, wherever we are, whenever it is:
Commit to love. That is the best plan.
Have your read either of Bob Goff’s other books, Love Does or Everybody, Always (one of my Top 10 Books of 2018)? I highly recommend them, too!
What events have you had cancelled in this time of coronavirus? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
My thanks to Net Galley and Nelson Books
for the review copy of this book
I’m reading Everybody, Always right now and loving it!! I’m sorry the event may be cancelled!
We may not be together,
and some may have to die,
but your words will be forever,
so dearest, don’t you cry.
As long as hearts are open
to the gift the Lord would give;
though mortal flesh is broken
it’s love that will yet live
in the hands we have extended
to the mighty and the low
in a grace that’s surely blended
and smile-warmed for its steady flow.
There may be no reunion here,
but at Heaven’s gate a full-throat cheer!
I loved his two books Lisa. I have passed them on to others as well. I was going to use this for m devotional time this year but had some other things already in the cue so I held off. Looks like 2021 might be the year. 🙂 Thanks for sharing some of his insights and your thoughts of the book.
I have never read anything by Bob Goff, but now I absolutely have to. Thanks, Lisa!
“Commit to love. That is the best plan.” Amen! I just read an Australian blog – Tea With Jennifer – about “Viral Kindness.” My heart was so touched with a picture and story of two little girls who wanted to empty their piggy banks to buy toilet paper and tissues for the elderly. With their mamas behind them, they went around delivering. Such a beautiful example of love from little children. 🙂 I love Bob’s quotes, especially this one – “Love isn’t something we do, like a job. It’s someone we become, like Jesus.“ Thank you for this encouragement, Lisa! Love and blessings to you!
Wow. Wise and sound words… I’m going to have to check him out… even if it is not in person for now…
Started “Love Does” but left it in a purse that I can’t find right now… Read “Everybody, Always” on my Kindle app, loved it, and recommended it to others.
So far the only things canceled are church gatherings and a monthly women’s group. We solved the latter by meeting via Skype and are using the Marco Polo app to keep connected while maintaining social distancing.
Sounds like a great book. I love those quotes! As an introvert, I understand your opening statement!
Bob Goff sounds like an author I need to read right now. I hope the event is not canceled. Thanks for the encouragement! Great quotes.
Yes! I loved his book, Love Does! His enthusiasm is contagious, and I so appreciate his fresh insights. Now is a great time to focus on Love – the Person and the process. Blessings, Lisa!
The only real plan we’ve had I’m worrying about is our trip to Disney/ Universal. We had to postpone it once already when flu season hit and a few of our party members were sick.. I’m not sure I could find the time or money to move the trip again! I hope you get to see your show too but I thank you for sharing all these positive thoughts and words with us at Encouraging hearts and home. Pinned.
I’m glad you find happiness where ever you are placed. Enjoy your home time and stay well!
I love your confession that this situation isn’t all bad for you. As a fellow introvert, I’m having a much easier time than my husband and my daughter. We certainly are lucky to have things like books and technology so we don’t totally miss out on things and become completely isolated
I have never heard him but think I would like him. Will check out his book. I had my silent retreat canceled, a bunch of meetings, and now two vacations scheduled for April and May. I think the silent retreat was the worse for me. But someday I will be able to go again. Blessings!