When God Changes Your Plans

Today (written last week) Anna is home sick with a stomach bug.  We were up most of the night with her; poor thing.  Of course, there’s been a change of plans today – a piano lesson rescheduled, a grocery trip put on hold – and instead, washing bedding, and keeping liquids at the ready.  When my family is sick I am happy to be home with them and serve them.  Yes, it’s sometimes hard, especially with little sleep.  But a certain “mama bear” instinct kicks in and you just do it.  

Although Anna wasn’t feeling well, I love this picture that shows “peace’ bear right up close on her neck. She doesn’t always sleep with a stuffed animal, but when she’s sick, she wants one close by.

As Anna napped today I had some alone time to sit, read, and feed my soul with the only words that can.  

Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God.

Isaiah 26:3 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.  Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.  

I realized something: God prepared me yesterday for what was to come today. 

Yesterday I had plans of getting quite a bit accomplished – my to-do list was way too long.  Instead, in the morning I felt God nudging me to prep dinner early.  Have it all ready to pop in the oven later in the day.  So, that’s what I did.  As the day went on I felt more and more tired and wiped out, and it felt so wonderful having dinner taken care of.  Thank you, Lord.  By the afternoon, after having a little rest, I still felt God saying, “Rest more.  In me.  Lay aside your plans.”  So, that’s what I did.  I made myself a cup of tea and sat down to study.  By the time I had picked the kids up from school and we were into the routine of homework, I was again grateful for my slower day, and having the energy for the kids.

Fast forward to last night when I was up in the night with Anna.  Around 4am I’m laying in bed thinking about how I will adjust my day today to be home with her, and it comes to me:  Had I rushed around yesterday doing what I originally intended to do, I would have been past exhaustion being up with her in the night.  I’m not sure I would have been able to do it.  My slower day reserved some of my energy for right now.  And I am amazed.  I am amazed once again at how my Father makes provisions for me, cares for me, and loves me in this way.  

Sometimes I plow through accomplishing even when I feel the nudging to slow.  And I’m usually sorry I did.  My body either protests with fatigue or I have zero energy left for my family in the evening.  Many times I am frustrated when my plans change and my to-do list gets put aside.  But slowly I am learning that it is always for my good.  Thank you, Father.