To Plan or Not to Plan?

Making plans? So am I! But two weeks ago my plans fell through. My daughter injured her left foot 4 hours after I dropped her off at the overnight camp. Her week away from home ended up being shorter than 24 hours.  Two days later, my replacement nurse did not show up. After calling the agency, I found out that  she was not able to come at all for the 3 days that she was scheduled for. Then I also found out that there was still a waiting list for my middle son’s summer program.
 
I had my entire week planned out. Projects to work on. Clients to see. Kids had places to go. But that’s not what happened at all. Unfortunately this is not the first time , nor will it be the last time, that my plans fell through. And I know I am not the only one who has weeks like this one.

Then what should we do when things don’t go the way we planned?    
Here are a few things to remember:
1. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9)
2. God has good plans for us, plans “to give us a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11)
3.    At the end, “all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord” (Romans 8:28)

​If God always has our best interest at heart, if His plan is different from what we had in mind ,
then what happens after we plan could be the best thing for us.                                               
                                    
Should we not plan at all? No, we should be prepared like the ant that stores food for the future. Apart from our day to day planning, we should remember what lays ahead, what matters most. As we plan, let us focus on our long term vision both on a personal and professional level. Each and everyone of us is here for a reason, to accomplish something on this earth that no one else can do. There is a void in this world that only you can fill. Whether it is at home or at work, remember to plan around what is important to you. If you do so, you won’t be so disappointed when things don’t work out because you would still be on the right track.
 
What happened to my fell-through plans from two weeks ago? Well, I spent some quality time with my children; being nurse, playmate, cook, chauffeur, counselor, and prayer partner. My plans fell through but I was right on track with my lifelong pursuit of being a devoted mother. I was able to see one client that week who was a blessing  to me as well.

 I like to organize my days, my week, my work, my life; but even when things do not happen the way I planned, I have come to see blessings birth out of my mishaps. My week was fulfilling and reminded me to PRAY- PLAN – PRAY - ACT—PRAY; to rely on God with every plan I make, every step of the way. When my plans fail, I trust that He will carry me through.
 
Wishing you grace and hope as you make your plans!

Chou Gabikiny

​“ To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”
  Anatole France