April 26, 2016

Life Detours Plans

In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps

 -- Proverbs 16:9

It was going to be a busy day at the start of a really busy week. I wasn’t sure how I could possibly fit everything in but I had a plan.

Well, you know how it is with plans.

The doctors appointment ran late, then there was lunch and a surprise stop. But another doctors appointment never materialized. That freed up time for work. Which I was doing. Until I heard it.

You know what I’m talking about. In my case, it was the dogs barking ferociously. This wasn’t one of those chasing a squirrel barks. This was much bigger and I knew something was dreadfully wrong.

I threw down my wire cutters and ran. Sammy had killed the copperhead snake before I arrived. I cut the snake’s head off to be sure. After a quick check, I raced to the vet with Sammy. And there went my afternoon.

I am not complaining. It could have been much, much worse. He’s going to be fine. I am thankful.

But here’s the thing: We all make plans for our days. We do. Even if it’s as simple as get up, have a cup of coffee and head to the beach. We make plans as though somehow we know what’s going to happen. We don’t.

I’m a big planner. I always have been. And I get frustrated when those plans get derailed. But this is life and life isn’t about plans. It’s about living our moments to the fullest and following God with all our hearts.

Sometimes we get so caught up in our “to do” list that we forget to enjoy the process. Did you notice the sunset yesterday? Did you see the beautiful flowers blooming this spring? Did you throw a ball with your dog? Did you read a book to your child?

When did we get so busy that we can’t enjoy our moments? When did we fill our days with so many tasks that we forget to enjoy the journey? When did we stop realizing it’s about loving God and loving people?

Sometimes life takes us on a detour to remind us of what’s important. Pay attention to the lesson.