Reforming the Feminine ContentAgenda Wendy
Agenda Wendy. This is the name my husband calls me when I get in my agenda mode.
Agenda: a list, plan, outline, or the like, of things to be done, matters to be acted or voted upon.
Agenda Wendy has a plan. Something occurred to her that would be a really good thing to do. There’s nothing wrong with that. But then woe to the obstacle that gets in Agenda Wendy’s way. Agenda Wendy becomes singularly focused on her agenda and either runs over or resents anyone who gets in her way. Agenda Wendy doesn’t appreciate interruptions.
Here’s the problem with Agenda Wendy. One-she assumes that all reasonable people will value her agenda as she does. Two-she views interruptions as barriers to God’s sovereign purposes (i. e. her agenda) rather than His purposes themselves. Here’s what Agenda Wendy is learning.
1) I need to stop and listen to interruptions. Many important lessons of Jesus were started with “interruptions”. Young men interrupting Jesus’ teaching by lowering their paralyzed friend from the roof. A woman interrupting His journey by touching the hem of His robe for healing.
2) God is sovereign over my interruptions. Barriers to my agenda aren’t out of God’s control. They aren’t sneaky Satanic ploys to distract me from my good plan. The interruptions ARE God’s plan.
3) I need to listen to opposing agendas and not resent those who don’t share mine. Often my husband doesn’t share my vision. After discussing, I realize we are often on the same page on the BIG IDEA but we differ on the specifics of how to carry it out. I need to listen seriously to his differing view and not resent him for holding it.
Agenda Wendy is making strides. She is learning to take off her Agenda cape and listen to those around her. She is learning that she is not the only person out there with good ideas and that those affected by her agenda ought to have input into it. Most of all, she is learning that God is in control of the interruptions and to look for His hand in them.
It’s awesome that our God is such a loving and compassionate God, that He is willing to expose our agendas, in order to get us back into line with His plan.
We are not always going to be perfect. At least Jesus loves us enough to show us our sin and set us straight again, on His agenda.
God Bless!
Wendy, you strive daily to become more like Jesus. We know from scripture none will ever equal Him. As you have told me many times, when we recognize a fault, humble ourselves and admit that fault He will surely forgive and get us back on the right path. I love you and appreciate your articles.
Funny~although my husband hasn’t adopted a nickname, he has adopted a motto when I’m on one of my “missions” (it sounds more benevolent): “I can see you’re on a “mission”. Here, let me get out of the way”. As you mentioned, thank God for the Body of Christ around me, who is a constant reminder that I am not meant, nor equipped, to do “mission” work alone.
[...] at Reforming the Feminine writes about three things she’s learned from her tendency to be “Agenda Wendy” and disregard any interruptions to her plan: [...]
Thank you for this, Wendy.
Thanks Wendy. My husband would relate as well. I heard some good advice on an Elizabeth George video last year (which I’m still trying to master)…something about nodding or saying okay to any suggestion/interuption as my first response rather than rushing to reiterate my agenda and why it is “the” way. Your post is a good reminder for me.
[...] Anna Wendy at Reforming the Feminine writes about three things she’s learned from her tendency to be “Agenda Wendy” and disregard any interruptions to her plan: Agenda Wendy [...]
Thanks for your honesty Wendy!…and for His loving interruptions!
[...] a great post over at The Vox Pop’s Reforming the Feminine blog called Agenda Wendy. Here is an excerpt: Agenda Wendy has a plan. Something occurred to her that would be a really [...]
As a recovering “Agenda Wendy” I so appreciate your humble honesty about something so many of us struggle with. God let me know my agenda had a layer of “I’ve got to be in control to be safe” in it and is kindly and lovingly coaxing me to freedom from that bondage. You go girl!