Sue’s Monday Morning Meditation
Plans I Make
03-18-2024
Scripture:
Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)
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 hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
Comments:
My Wednesday morning plans included doing a couple loads of laundry, e-filing our income tax, and spending time in my office writing blog posts. Then, I planned to take a nice walk along the lake before meeting my friend for lunch.
Plans for a perfectly organized morning were in place. I was working my plan and felt good about it.
Around 9:30, I glanced out the window and saw unpredictable pre-spring weather had changed from mild and sunny to windy and snowy! Since I am a “fair-weather” walker, my plans pivoted!
Okay. I guess I will write a little longer and walk a little later!
In the scheme of life, pivoting from my Wednesday morning plan was a “no-brainer.” Pivoting at other times has been difficult.
For instance, one year ago, my husband and I looked forward to a getaway in Southern California. A few days prior to leaving, Ron tripped on a curb and face planted onto concrete. His nasty fall required not only a trip to the Emergency Room, but he ended up being admitted to the hospital for several hours.
“No way can you fly,” the doctor assured Ron. So, our vacation plans pivoted. Twelve months later, we’re getting ready for another spring getaway to South Carolina, and I’ve cautioned my husband, “Be careful, and don’t fall!”
A much more difficult life-plan pivot occurred many years ago. My marriage of seven years ended, and I was faced with learning how to navigate the never-imagined role of single motherhood. Those were some difficult years, which required a great deal of pivoting. I handled some pivots with wisdom and grace; many others were clumsy; some were foolish.
Through the years, here’s what I’ve learned about plans.
It’s good to have a plan, and it is good to persevere and work my plan.
No matter how carefully laid, however, plans will change.
Being prepared and learning how to pivot are essential life skills.
No matter what my plan is, God’s purpose will ultimately be what triumphs.
God is good, and God works together even unanticipated, difficult plans for a good purpose.
Now, back to Wednesday morning. By the time I was ready to leave the house, the wind had died down, and it stopped snowing. I still had time for a walk along the lake. Though not as long as planned, it was delightful as was lunch with my friend.
Prayer:
Lord,
Even though I believe you are good and your plans for me are good,
I confess that way too often, I become upset when life doesn’t turn out according to my plan.
Please help me remember that you, O Lord, are always good,
You see what I cannot see and understand what I do not.
Thank you that Your plans are filled with hope and a blessed future!
Amen
Reflection Question(s):
Are you facing a current plan requiring you to pivot? How might today’s scriptures from Proverbs and Jeremiah help you pivot with greater confidence? How has God worked together for a “good purpose” a plan from your past that required you to pivot?
Blessings on your meditations this Monday!
