In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. – Proverbs 16:9
I love to plan! I love to plan parties, events, projects, shows, meetings for our teachers, trips, my day, anything! In fact, I must have “a plan” in just about everything I do or I feel a bit out of sorts.
My husband grew up taking annual trips to the mountains to ski. He learned as a child and is quite good at it. Myself, on the other hand, had never skied a day in my life until my in-laws planned a trip to Big Sky, Montana. I was panicking! I would be the only one who didn’t know how to ski. You see, I’m more of a warm weather beach girl or ‘visit the mountains in the summer’ kind of girl. So what did I do? I planned it all out. I researched horseback riding, snowmobiling, and of course the spa. I bought the matching ski outfits with matching snow boots. I made sure I had “long johns,” hand warmers, the works. I was going to look the part, I would go to ski school, and I was confident I could pick it up with a few lessons.
I was finally ready to try skiing alongside my husband. I told him how my instructor would signal for the ski lift to be slowed down to help me get on/off, how he told me when to stand up, and would grab the back of my arm to guide me. As we rode the lift, I kept reminding my husband of the “plan!” We motioned over and over to the guy working to slow the lift. However, he was on his phone and didn’t notice us. When it came time to get off, my husband went and I didn’t. Without knowing what to do, I leapt forward and face-planted right in the snow! This was not part of the plan!
I plan because without it, things seem impossible and chaotic. But how many times do our plans go just like we thought? In life, when we pray and listen to God’s plan, isn’t life so much more fulfilling? Sometimes we have to take a leap of faith when our plans don’t work out the way we’d hoped… sometimes literally! Sometimes these unplanned events bring us the best memories. Through Him we are able to find our way. When I release control, I’m able to have peace of mind, find joy in the small things, and laugh when MY plan doesn’t go my way. That’s because I know he always has a greater plan – even as I lay face down in the freezing cold snow!
Meredith Lee, St. Luke’s Children’s Center Management
