Interesting word, isn’t it? Premeditated means “characterized by fully conscious willful intent and a measure of forethought and planning.” If I make a mistake while driving and someone is killed (not because of drugs or alcohol), it might be called vehicular homicide.  If I wait for my neighbor to walk across the street to get their mail and then run over them – that’s premeditated murder.

After a recent meeting at the church I landed at McDonalds in Beaverdam around 9PM, hoping to score my favorite $2.00 sandwich – a Bacon McDouble. Alas!  Ronald was nowhere in sight.  It was closed due a “boil your water until further notice” problem with the Beaverdam water supply. I wandered aimlessly around the truck stop.

And then I saw it – a fully cooked ¼ pound hot dog with jalapenos turning quietly on the rollers. I was “fully conscious with willful intent and used a (miniscule) measure of forethought and planning” and bought it. I was living large and on the edge!

Until 3:30AM. Then my insides (tummy and esophagus) pushed the panic button and I was up looking for heartburn medication.  As I reflected on the experience in those early morning hours, I realized that some of the smartest and best things we do in life are, in fact, premeditated.

Forgiveness is premeditated. As is honesty, integrity, moral purity, and authenticity. Commitment to our marriage covenant is. Love is an act of the will and is premeditated.

I want my faith to have premeditation and my hot dogs to have premedication!

Blessings!

Pastor Mark