Big Plans

2012-01-25T19:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, never mind with the photo captions. I thought we could get a few laughs out of it, and so I hope you did even if you didn't comment!

Anyways, lately I've noticed a Murphy's Law-esque phenomenon at work...Isn't funny how in life, planning for something is often a sure-fire way to keep it from happening? :)

For example, today I planned on having a bad day. I know this sounds terrible, but I think we've all had those days when we can't help but dread what's in store. Anyway, I'd been sick with the flu and working long hours, I hadn't seen Ben all week, and our doctor had just broken some bad news to us. I woke up thinking, "Life really stinks today." But, around lunch-time, I realized I was having a great day! I was getting a ton of work done, those tender mercies were flowing and I even got to help out another friend who was sick with pneumonia (which is way worse than the flu!).

Of course, this phenomenon works in reverse, too. Case in point (please feel free to laugh at me), about a year ago I painstakingly planned out a fresh, nutritious, preservative-free pregnancy diet using resources from my doctor, books and reliable online sources. I made a detailed plan and typed up a shopping list.

But as soon as I did this, it became almost impossible for two reasons: One, I had to start taking a twice-daily medication that made me nauseated...It's like morning sickness, except I don't get to have a baby in 9 months. :) Two, I started a new job that turned my schedule upside-down.

So, I've had to scrap the meal plan and shopping list. Gratefully, both Ben and his mom have been SO thoughtful to make me meals, especially when I'm going back and forth from house to house and working long, tiring hours. Plus, my boss probably thinks I live at work (and he'd be partly right), because I keep so much food in the fridge there. Not every place I've worked has had this convenience, so I'm very grateful for it, especially right now!

One more brief example: My friend Jen and I had been getting together every Tuesday without fail for almost two months straight, when one Tuesday about a month ago we planned to start using that time to work on a special project together. We haven't been able to get together since, for one reason or another. It's the phenomenon...I'm telling you! We need to come up with a name for it. Any suggestions?

Well, Ben and I definitely have plans and dreams for our life together, but I'm trying to hold back on planning every detail. Obviously, it hasn't even come close to what we'd planned almost four years ago. And that's alright, because life isn't really about all of your plans working out or your dreams coming true. Sure, it'd be really, really nice if that happens, but it's God's plan that really matters.

And His plan is to save us and give us eternal happiness. Wow, what better plan could I ask for? I love this verse from the hymn I Believe in Christ:

I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!
From him I’ll gain my fondest dream;
And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: “Ye shall obtain.”
I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I’ll stand in that great day
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men.

Peaches and Potatoes

Big Plans