PLANS- I love them.

     

 I am a planner. I have been known to lie in bed at night going over minute details of things in my head to coordinate how EXACTLY it's going to happen. Tom calls this stressing, but it's really not. I just feel better when I know exactly the order of things. If I don't know when it's going to happen, then in my mind it probably ISN'T going to happen.
     So it's no surprise that I have the next several months all mapped out. Tom and I were going to go do this thing, then that other thing, then we were going to regroup and make some decisions. It was all lined up. And then it all started to disintegrate before my eyes and for some reason, I have total peace about that. Until a friend asked me several questions the other night, I didn't even realize how little I know about what I'm going to be doing the next few months. And I think that's exactly where I'm supposed to be. Because, though we were prayerful in the "plan-making" I think I was asking the Lord to bless decisions I had already made, not truly seeking His plan. Because they were not bad things at all. They were the way I wanted to serve and things I was excited about. But it's becoming clear that they weren't at all His plans. Though what I wanted was good, it meant I would have had to say no to other things, things that could be better. So right now, I'm trying to keep my heart open to the opportunities that are put in front of me. In the past, I would come up with elaborate strategies to keep the original plans on track and it would usually end up in a mess with all involved irritated about the outcome.  I'm sure everyone reading this is feeling sorry for Tom about now. You should, he's been a good sport. I just re-read this and the word "I" is in here a ton. Clearly, this post was all about me. But it feels good to organize some thoughts at least, and plan to not plan.

Proverbs 16:1
To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
Psalm 33:10
The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
Psalm 40:5
Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.
 Isaiah 14:24
The LORD Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.
Jeremiah 29:11
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.
Isaiah 28:29
All this also comes from the LORD Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.