Planning

Truth #2: Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile.

It's interesting how planning for the future works for most of us. We want to make a difference, be successful (whatever that means), live life to the fullest, etc. and like this "truth" says, achieve something worthwhile. We make decisions about what we want our lives to look like say 10-20 years from now and then go about choosing paths that will get us closer to that goal... or NOT. I know for me, I have stated or written out "plans" for the future and then gone and made a choice that flies in the face of accomplishing that goal or having that plan come to fruition. Sometimes that choice has made me have to rethink my plan or construct a new one, other times it has been only a bump in the road that made me hit pause on my plan for a second. Achieving something with your life is a tall order and often, our "plans" make us feel more like losers than winners.


Regardless, it's funny that when I look back, the plans that I had a long time ago have changed (dramatically in some cases), yet I still feel like I am fulfilled. I think it's because I finally realized that no matter the path I take, God is in control of the guidance if I allow Him to be. I never expected to be starting a small business or have worked with adults with serious mental illnesses in a mental health center for 8+ years, or be living back in North Alabama. My plans were different- I wanted to work with kids, live somewhere besides the south, and travel. I see now that what I hoped to gain from those experiences (adventure, challenge, helping people feel loved, respected, and understood, and having the opportunity to learn about new places and things) is still being fulfilled. God just changed the props in the story. That's why I want to be open to any opportunity that comes, knowing that just because it does not fit into my "plan" does not mean it is not the exact thing God is using to complete my plan with a finish even better than I could have predicted.  It does not mean it will be easier, but it will always be better than what I think my path should be. So, I still make plans, but know that they are subject to change at any moment if He opens a door. I only hope I have the courage to walk through it when it happens.