I like to make plans. I often think through exactly how I want things to go. I put details in place to make the plan happen smoothly. I can make the best plans. The problem is life never seems to go as planned.

We made a last minute decision to get out of Minnesota over christmas break. Both kids would be able to go, so we decided to grasp what would likely be the last family road trip. We decided to head to the Grand Canyon and then on to the Phoenix area in Arizona. I was really excited to see the Grand Canyon for the first time.

We set out the day after Christmas. It was a long day of driving. We made it to Oklahoma City that night. While eating breakfast at the hotel the next morning, my husband catches a weather update playing on the TV. Flagstaff, out destination for that night, had just received a foot of snow with another foot expected. Many of the roads around the Grand Canyon were closed. Now what? Our best plans had just fallen apart. We were not going to get to see the Grand Canyon.

I was so bummed. We were all bummed. Hubby started Googling and discovered that we could make it to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southern New Mexico by late afternoon, and just like that there was a new plan.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Proverbs 16:3 NIV).

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21 NIV).

Yes, I really wanted to go to the Grand Canyon, but my prayers were around having quality time together as a family, making great memories together. What really mattered was building relationships, caring for each other, and resetting our emotional compass for a new decade.

Once again, God honored what really mattered. We arrived in time to buy the last available tickets to descend 750 feet below the earths surface to see God’s creation at it’s finest. God honored what was really in my heart. His true purpose prevailed.

As this year progresses and my best plans take detours, I will remember this and know God’s purpose will prevail. It may not go the way I plan, but He will always direct my steps and guide the journey.

How do your best plans work out? Do you see God’s provision in the detours? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.