I would say one of my biggest pet peeves is when a plan changes. My husband will attest to this. I like to make plans and I always expect them to play out just as I planned. But, as I'm sure you know, they just don't. Tauren tells a funny story about me and a plan that changed in our podcast, Alive and Wells - Episode 1. Basically, on our summer vacation to Mackinaw Island for July 4th, I read that the fireworks were going to start at 10:30pm and at 10:22 we heard loud explosions. The kids ran to the balcony screaming, "the fireworks are starting!" I immediately was upset and said, "no way! They can't be! It's not 10:30 yet!" Tauren laughed and said, "Babe, they obviously started. Get on board!" He still makes fun of me about this. You need to hear him tell it on the podcast, because he is way more dramatic about it.
As comical as this can be in a light-hearted situation with low stakes, it can be super frustrating and down right maddening for someone like me when more thought and planning has gone into something. For instance, if I plan a date night and hire a babysitter, make reservations and have my heart set on something and then Tauren informs me he has to go to Nashville for a meeting instead, it could push me right over the edge and into Crazy Town. Ok ok. I might be exaggerating. A little.
I feel like if anyone could relate to this feeling it was Mary. She was a young, beautiful girl planning her wedding. She probably had the bridesmaids dresses picked out, the DJ, the caterer, and she for sure had found the perfect dress. One day she gets a visit from an angel who informs her that instead of having the wedding she always dreamed of, she would become pregnant instead (and not the fun way either). On top of that, her new husband wouldn't even be the biological father of her baby. Mary is the GOAT though, because she responds and says, "I am the Lord's servant! Let it be done to me as you said." What an incredible response to such a huge change in the plan she had for her life. Nothing was turning out how she planned, but what did happen far exceeded the path she had for herself. Was it a little bit complicated? Yes. Was it a major unknown? Yes. Was it totally worth it? YES! Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. What?! That is something she never could have dreamt up on her own.
One of the most popular scriptures these days is Jeremiah 29:11 where it says "For I know the plans I have for you saith the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." There is a reason this is a beloved scripture. When our plans change, sometimes we think God is nowhere to be found and He has left us alone with our unmet expectations, but God is actually right there intentionally NOT meeting your expectations just so he can exceed them! Trust God when he disrupts your plan. He has something much greater ahead for you!
Lean in to Life. It’s messy, but beautiful.
Much love,
LB