Living the Life I Didn't Plan

Life has a way of not following my plan.  I make well-thought-out plans (most of the time).  My ideas are fun, grand, and usually have a way of coming unraveled just when things are beginning to click along.

Today the dog has vomited six nine ten times.  Today the rain hampers the ability of the paint to dry quickly or well on the rockers I am refinishing. Today my husband took microwavable soup for lunch while I was planning to surprise him with a lovely homemade chicken soup for supper.

So, I sigh, grumble, whine, complain, curse the dog (and the spider we think bit her).  Hopefully somewhere along the way I remember to be thankful.  Thankful for what has gone according to my plan, and thankful for what hasn't.  Thankful that God is good and kind and loves me in spite of the grand plans I make.  Thankful that He has even grander plans for me.

This weekend a dear, dear friend and mentor took a huge leap of faith and courage.  It is a path I have walked, although not nearly as well or as with much grace as she has.  I'm hopeful that my experiences somehow encouraged her and strengthened her.  It is a path no one plans; a path no one chooses without much prayer, deliberation and struggle; a path God already knew we would traverse. 

The beauty of life not according to our plans is that it forces us to look at the life God has planned for us.  A life beyond our wildest imaginations; beyond our grandest plans; beyond our deepest dreams. 

At the end of the day, that is the life we all crave.  Real life.  Connected-to-our-Creator life. Authentic life.  Messy life.

That kind of  life requires ridiculous faith, insurmountable courage, unbelievable trust.  All impossible tasks unless there is someone or something worth that much faith, courage, trust. 

The Gospel, The Good News is...there is.  God loves you.  God loves me.  God created us so that He could show us His love.  He sent Jesus to prove His love.  "Jesus is too sweet to not trust."

So, even when nothing in your day, your week, your month, or even your year seems to be going according to plan, give your plan to God and let Him show you His perfect plan for you and your life. 

It will be beyond your wildest imagination; beyond your grandest plan; beyond your deepest dream.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11