I don’t know about you, but I shake my head every time I hear someone say that God laughs when we make plans so why bother. I say, why not make them anyway? Just because He laughs doesn’t mean they won’t happen. Yes, He has a sense of humor but, above all, He’s merciful and gracious. Besides that, planning teaches us to be goal-oriented and to live intentionally. Whether our plans come to fruition or not, that’s secondary.
Many times, I’ve seen my plans disappear like dew in the morning sun in Miami, and okay, that’s been disappointing. But I’ve learned that it’s best not to get hung up on my expectations when these are not met. It’s not easy, trust me, I know what I want and when I want it. However, I’ve come to understand the importance of trusting in God’s will because I’ve been hit over the head with it plenty, and I’ve been like, “Oh yeah, this worked out a whole lot better.”
Other times, though, I’ve seen my plans rearranged like puzzle pieces and end up happening anyway, just with a different look and at a different time than I was expecting. But because I had already drafted those plans, I was ready. See how that works?
We live with a lot of uncertainty, and you can bet that “Stuff” (with a capital S) will indeed happen in our lives. And sometimes our best-laid plans can be upended by God’s actual will for us. However, that shouldn’t be the reason we stop working towards the things we wish for and hope to accomplish. I think the thing is to pray for God’s guidance as we make our plans so that we can better align them with His will for us. If they align, terrific. If they don’t, I’m sure there’s a lesson somewhere in there to learn. Win-win situation.
For every time I make God laugh with my planning skills, I am thankful.
What are your plans? And what are you thankful for today?
Until next Thursday’s post…si Dios quiere.
“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”
-Martin Luther King
Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”
-Saint Augustine
Yes. Big problem for control freaks like me. I’m learning day by day this hard lesson.
This post is spot on in my current situation as you well know… ??
Oh, my. Had to take a quick break to read this, it came right on time, amiga. Fe y pa’lante! Much love to you and yours.
A life without plans… what would be the point. Plan on!!
So, so true, Connie. AMEN!
Edna
I think today, we can all relate to your message about how important it is to make and follow plans in order to accomplish our goals….no matter how big or how small…especially with His help.
Definitely a game changing way of thinking.
Pa’ lante! … ” pray for God’s guidance as we make our plans so that we can better align them with His will for us.” So wise! Thank you Connie for your intentional and inspirational Thankful Thursdays! XOXOXO