I am a planner. I encourage my family to be planners. In my mind it reduces unwanted surprises, but even the best laid plans can go wrong. When things go wrong, I try to look for what is right. Sometimes it is very challenging.
We have been in the process of getting our son moved to Seattle for grad school. Initially, we had decided that he wouldn’t have a car at all. Then his dad and I went to Seattle. We realized that there was amazing hiking at national parks within a short distance. Hubby decided Jackson should have the old mini van to get to hiking when he had time. He doesn’t need it to get to school. The best laid plans began to change.
The night before they were to start driving the 23 hour trek there was a noise coming from the water pump. Hubby started changing the oil while I went to get the part. A delay was unavoidable, but hopefully they would be on the road by noon. Nothing was going as planned. Suddenly the vehicle wouldn’t say running for more than 5 seconds. Dumbfounded and frustrated, hubby changed the plans again.
The night ended with all of us feeling defeated. We found a flight for Jackson later that weekend. He had a job interview to get to. Curt decided to drive out the following weekend provided the van was running.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you. 12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12 NIV)
The next morning I woke up choosing to believe there was a purpose for the delays. I choose to believe in God’s protection, and that they were not meant to drive out that weekend. We will never know for sure, but part of faith is the unknown. Part of faith is choosing to believe in God’s promises even when they aren’t evident. I choose God’s protection rather than my best laid plans.
What do you do when your best laid plans go wrong? Do you choose faith? Do you stay frustrated? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.