Monday's Marriage Moment - It Will Work Out...Just Probably Not Like You Planned

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through [Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:12-13

I like lists and schedules. I like plans and agendas. So, as usual, I had a plan for my day. I worked out as usual, and then I planned to be super domestic: I was cooking some homemade chicken and dumplings (with actual homemade dumplings - rolled out the dough and everything), and I had shucked some ears of corn. You have to be from the south to understand shucking corn! My daughter was making some homemade brownies, and I fully intended to eat and lounge for the remainder of the day. Then my plans changed. An emergency phone call cancelled those plans and sent me out of town.

As I reflect on the day, I realize that even though the emergency wasn't in my plan it was in God's. The events didn't catch Him by surprise. They didn't interfere with His schedule or agenda at all. He knew what was going to happen, and in subtle ways, He put things in place. My son had a ride to practice. Dinner was done. My husband was able to go with me to attend to the situation. We were able to provide love, support, and assistance to those who needed us.

So, I want to encourage you today that things will work out. They just won't typically work out as you plan them, and that is okay. I have seen that not just in today, but in the last few months and years. I had a plan for where I would be at this age. I had a plan for my family and friends. I had a plan for my career and finances. None of those things are exactly as I planned them, but many of them have worked out better. I had to learn to accept a better plan. As Paul indicates in our scripture, we have to be flexible enough to handle whatever comes. It's okay to have a plan, but we can't hold onto it so tightly that there is no room for God. Be flexible, Dear Friend! There will be interruptions, emergencies, and unexpected events. Know that God always has a plan - even when it's not a part of your plan!