February 29

Feb 28 - Today from Proverbs 28 we look at verse 19
"He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty."

What is the difference between a fantasy and a plan? A plan is a detailed method for accomplishing something. A true plan is not a plan unless it is complete - a method of getting from where one currently is to the objective one is planning on accomplishing. Plans include realistic probabilities based on available resources. Wise people plan. A fantasy on the other hand is the substance of delusion. It has an objective, but there is no true plan. It may be a possibility, but depends on highly unlikely probabilities. Foolish people pursue fantasies.
Let's say one's objective is to pay off their debts and to set up a healthy nest egg for the future. The wise person who plans will look at what resources are available, what types of actions must be taken within certain time frames, and what sacrifices must be made at the present to see security for the future. Then one must engage themselves in carrying out the plan. It is possible, even probable that there may have to be adjustments in the plan, but one continues to work with tangibles and realistic possibilities as they go. The foolish person who embraces fantasy will take what resources are available and invest them in the lottery. It is possible to win the lottery, pay off debts and have a secure nest egg for the future. But, the probability is so unlikely that it is almost a sure thing that the foolish person will be worse off than before.
That is a more extreme example given to prove a point. But we are prudent to learn the principle. God, in His wisdom and compassion has given each of us some 'land' to work. It may not be a piece of earth that must be cultivated in order to produce, but you can be sure it is some type of gift that must be cultivated in order to produce. For instance; perhaps it is giftedness in music. Many people make a living in the world of music. They sacrificed and practiced and planned and found the road to success, whether it be a concert pianist or a teacher of primary children. Perhaps one's land is a mechanical skill. Many people make a living by utilizing their gifts in mechanical abilities. Whatever one's 'land' is, working the land requires a plan, sacrifice, and determination. That's what brings forth fruitfulness. Chasing fantasies is an empty and fruitless waste of time. Time that could be spent developing and working a plan for life. Time that could be used in developing character and integrity by discovering and developing the 'land' which God has given.
Whether it is a goal for one's life, or a goal toward a current desire, wisdom develops and executes a plan toward that goal. Folly develops a fantasy that will ultimately devour the precious resources of time and energy and leave the victim frustrated, angry or regretful. Not everyone who plans reaches their goals, but everyone who gives it their best grows in character. They may end up frustrated, but they needn't live with regret. The thing with people who work plans is; when they fail to reach a goal, they are seldom defeated. They have learned, and they develop a new plan. Each time they get better at it. Success comes through planning, sacrificing, and perseverance – and yes, even failure.