When Things Don't Go As Planned
Flexibility and Contentment
When things don’t go as planned, what do you do?
Try to make your plans happen, anyway?
Throw a fit of anger?
Cry?
Go with the flow?
Make an alternative plan?
God always has a master plan. Sometimes our plans don’t align with His. We can’t see or understand the enormity of His plan, which sometimes includes our disruption, failure, or redirection. Have faith.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 KJV
A Personal God-Story
Photo by Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández on Unsplash
Once upon a time there was a diligent worker who loved her job helping people find the material they needed to build fences and railings. She worked for 8 years there, even though some major changes in her duties, and corporate leadership made her a little less enthusiastic about her job.
One day, she was at the ophthalmologist for her annual eye exam. She wore her fence company jacket with some pride, but mostly for its warmth. In the waiting room, there was another patient waiting for his eyes to dilate. He was wearing another fence company’s jacket and ball cap.
Both being congenial folk, a friendly conversation ensued, and she became very interested in this other fence company. A few days later, she actually looked them up and applied for a job. There really wasn’t an opening for her, but they’d keep her resume, just in case.
Life continued as usual until one day when she received a call. They would like to hire her. Oh, joy! She gave her two-week’s notice, which was actually shortened because she was defecting. There were no parties, no farewells, no thanks for the eight years given.
Now she trained with the sister of the owner who had vast knowledge of all office procedures and had run the office for something like fifteen years alongside the owner and her husband. Once they discerned her trustworthiness and competence, they gave more and more responsibility. She blossomed in this new environment.
Now, one day, a careless driver smashed into the sister’s truck as she was driving. After being examined at the hospital, she discovered she had stage 4 cancer and would live only about a year unless she had treatment. Even then, doctors couldn’t make any promises. The sister wasn’t feeling at all well now and retired from the fence company to stay at home. This happened only six months after they hired the unfamiliar girl!
I say this was God. Only He knew the needs of the second fence company and orchestrated events and people so they would continue to thrive. The man in the eye doctor’s waiting room was the owner’s father.
So, the next time you feel things aren’t going your way, just think, maybe, just maybe, you’re part of a plan just where you are. Enjoy every moment. Give God the glory.
(Yes, the unfamiliar worker was me.)
Quick Author Update
Writing sequel to Emeline - A Journey
Attending a comprehensive 3-week class called “Book Launch Blueprint” from Thomas Umstattd, Jr. and James L. Rubart. Lots of homework, but it’s all good. I love the community.
Still anticipating the audiobook version. Being patient. Excellence takes time. (Listen to three 2- minute samples below! Which is your favorite?)
Anticipating results from Emeline’s blog tour in June. Both the book and the accompanying journal will be featured in 14 different blogs for two weeks. (prayers appreciated)
