I purchased airline tickets in August with plans to vacation in South Carolina for Thanksgivng with my hubby, his children and our 9 grandchildren. We were supposed to leave this week, however, my mom woke up crying with right side rib pain 4 hours before departure. She had a fall on Monday and looked like she had been in the ring with Muhammad Ali. However, she never once complained about rib pain until Thursday. We made a repeat visit to the ER to get mom examined again. Needless to say our 4 hour trip to the ER ended up terminating my well planned vacation.
I had been preparing for this trip, by cleaning the house, pulling weeds, working extra to save on vacation pay and decorating the house for Christmas. On Monday I developed burning pain under my left shoulder blade; by Thursday I was in severe pain and could barley move without tears. I was in so much pain that day, that I was almost thankful, mom’s suffering occured when it did.
I don’t think I could have endured the agony with 6 hours of sitting and carrying 2 back packs. However, I was so disappointed that I would miss my thanksgiving adventures with my grandchildren but I realized that my plans are not always the best plans. God had a different holiday scenario awaiting me. Life and God have a way of changing our well devised plans. Maybe, because He is protecting us from somehting, or He has something better in our future.
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
We go to bed at night and think we have the next day all planned out; what we have to do/need to do. We make our "to do lists" and check off our projects as we accomplish each one. However, our plans and our days do not always turn out the way we designed them. There are unexpected surprises that come our way and disturb our well orchestrated agenda. Developing flexibility, being free spirited and trusting God have often prevented me from being in a state of irritation and frustration when things don’t go my way.
I am making the most out of this unexpected turn of events by hosting Thanksgiving at my house for 2 women who were in hopes of a home cooked dinner. Definitely not my desired plan.
But surprise! I have a new plan, God’s plan. He is in control, and His ways and plans are perfect!
What has created a detour or alteration in your day, your holiday or your life?
Are you making the most of it and experiencing God’s perfect plan for you?
How are you allowing it to influence you?
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