Our family is planning a trip to Florida to spend time on the Gulf Coast and Disney World. In preparation for this trip, I have spent countless hours looking for airfare, condos, travel deals and more. I have been checking out “The Unofficial Guide to Disney World” from the library since September in an attempt to have our trip mapped out so that we get to see and do all of the things we want to while there.

First, we had to choose a hotel on the Disney property to stay at and make the reservations. I used a travel agent to help us with this part since a family of six doesn’t fit into the family of four vacation packages that Disney offers. I trusted her personal experience at Disney World to help me form my decision. Then came choosing the restaurants and making those reservations. Again, the agent made the reservations for us, but we had to choose what day and meal we wanted at each of our chosen destinations. After much research and menu perusing, we made our decisions. (At this point, our vacation is still months away!)

Now, it is time to buckle down and read my book, visit websites and decide on a plan. (OK, maybe I am a little Type A about all of this, but I just want to have a good time and everything to go smoothly. Is that asking too much?) I have decided that we need a step-by-step plan for every day. According to my research, I “could save up to four hours” by using these predesigned plans. The next decision is which plan to use.

After much deliberation and adjusting, I think I have a good idea of which parks to visit on which days, the rides, shows and parades we don’t want to miss and how long transportation to our scheduled locations will take. Whew!

Of course, I won’t know until we get to Disney if all of this research pays off for our family, or if things will run as smoothly as the book promises. But I do know that I am wiser for taking the time to research and read up on things that are unfamiliar to me, and I hope that this preparation will pay off in the long run.

While I was spending my free time researching (well, maybe a few things got pushed under the rug during this time), I was convicted of something. Do I spend an equal amount of time reading God’s Word and communicating with Him through prayer? Or, has my time with Him suffered as I prepare for this trip?

Unfortunately, I have to admit I have set aside my Bible at times to prepare for Disney. The difference is the Bible will most certainly help me in my life. I have no doubt that things go more smoothly and I am better prepared when I spend time with God through His Word and prayer. The other thing about the Bible is that it is full of promises -- things that God has followed through with and things yet to be fulfilled. I don’t have to wonder if the time I spend with God will pay off because He promises that it will.

God promises us that He has a plan for us in Jeremiah 29:11, where it says “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ...” We don’t have to worry; He has the plan for our lives. All we have to do is trust Him and let that plan unfold before our eyes. (I know this is harder than it sounds.)

His Word never fails and is timeless. Without a doubt, any time spent in His Word or in communion with Him will help me in my daily life. In fact, the Bible assures me of where I will spend eternity. Now that is good planning!