Plans Change
As humans we don’t like it when our plans change. We have
multiple ways that we react to a change of plans. We either, throw a fit and
have a bad attitude, or we take it in stride. Over spring break I was doing
some reflecting and noticed how many of my plans changed over the years since I
have graduated high school. I can see how each of the pathways I had created for myself
proved to be a dead end. Here are two examples.
I went into college with the idea of becoming an actress,
and for many people they understood that because my passion in high school was
theater. I loved the way I could put on a different mask with every play I did.
It was great being able to step into another world for a few hours. I thought
that I would be doing that for the rest of my life, stepping into someone
else’s shoes for others on a stage, but God changed that. I still love performing, but God
showed me that theater wasn’t where he wanted me. He pointed me toward a
different degree my sophomore year. He showed me Communication Studies, no it
is not PR and marking, my major is more directed at how people interact with
each other. I have spent the last two years learning how the foundation for
humans is communicating with each other both verbally and nonverbally. It has
been eye opening and has directed me toward a bigger passion of mine;
communicating with people on a day to day basis. Talking with different people and
learning about them, listening to their stories, and just enjoying their company.
Doing these things multiple times a day brings me so much joy. God showed me
that. My dreams had to drop so that I could step into other people’s shoes in a
new way. I pray I will be that listening ear, or encourager that others are
looking for. Because of the change from theater to communications it has led me
to my current job as a retreat staffer at a camp that I love.
My second example is from this semester. I once again was
weighing my different options for the summer and I decided I wanted to go back
to Colorado. So I applied, and was accepted, but then a few weeks later I was
told that I couldn’t go after all. I was broken hearted. I had already made
plans with my friends who were going back, and I was so excited. Yet, as I
write this I have begun to see why I don’t need to go back to Colorado. I would
be going there for a leadership training program that I don’t need. I’m not
saying my leadership skills are perfect, because they are not, but God has
given me so many leadership opportunities that there is no need for me to go
back. I feel like God is pointing me toward a future of working with a
non-profit organization that I am in love with. His plan is different than
mine. Proverbs 19:21 “many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the
Lord’s purpose that prevails”. Yeah, we can formulate our next five year plan,
but God just may have something different in mind. I’m seeing it in my own
life. I’m seeing that God’s ideas and ways are so different from ours. He knows
what is going to make our heart happy. He knows us better than we know
ourselves because he formed us (Psalm 119:73).
From these two lessons in my life I am learning to let God
work and to step back. As much as I like to know where I am headed I know that
God will easily change my plans. So I would like to say to you my readers to be
prepared, be prepared for a change of plans. However, I believe that the change
will be good. We serve a good father and he wants to see his children succeed.
Yet, he also wants us to lean on him. Let him guide you as the seasons begin to
change. He knows what he is doing.
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