God Determines Our Path
The heart of a man plans his way, but
the LORD establishes his steps.
– Proverbs 16:9
We’re a lot alike, she and I. We’ve known each other
more years than either of us publicly admits. In our 20s, we had dreams. Oh,
the plans we made. Neither of us have the life we imagined.
Both of us remained single, without children. I never
expected that to happen. Neither did she. How does time pass so quickly? What
happened to the person we always thought we’d be?
It hasn’t been a bad life. Well, except for the hard times
that is. Everyone has those. Illness doesn’t excuse anyone from her tirade.
Broken hearts and bad choices abound. But mostly I think we just got busy and
assumed we had plenty of time.
I never expected to be nearing the end of my life without
a husband and children by my side. God had a different plan.
A dear friend still mourns his much-younger wife. She
was the love of his life. They raised a son and created memories and were
enjoying the grandchildren they adored. He always assumed he’d be the first to
go. Age is supposed to determine those things. ALS is a cruel disease. She was
gone way too soon.
Another friend expected to grow old with her husband.
She was so in love. They’d created what she thought was a perfect family,
complete with two young children. Until the day he told her he wanted out of
their marriage. He just didn’t love her anymore.
We hold tightly to jobs we think we’ll have forever,
to bank accounts we think give us security, to people who can be fickle and
unkind, to a lifestyle we believe gives us status and worth. Then one day it is
all gone. Our plans lay shredded all around us. We are numb with the shock,
uncertain of the next step. We had such plans!
I’ve come to understand that God truly is the only One
is trustworthy in all things at all times. Oh, I have some wonderful friends
and family who have stood beside me in both devastating and joyful seasons of
life. But nobody can be everything to someone else. It is God alone who has
carried me through the dark nights and celebrated the seemingly small successes
of my days.
He knows best. I’m so thankful for His protection. I’m
thankful He didn’t always say yes. I’m even thankful He led me into the storm
because it drew me closer to His side. God made a way when I never saw it
coming. I am just so grateful for His Presence and protection.
A sweet friend talked about the plans she’d had for
her life. Business. She wanted to be in business. She’s an elementary school
teacher. She loves it! Her students are so blessed. She has the right amount of
toughness mingled with a quick smile and genuine love for “her” kids. God knew
where she needed to be, where she would make the most difference by touching
the lives of young children.
Another friend got her call to teaching while she
labored away in the medical field. She refused the first offer. The second time
she was ready. Scared, I might add, but ready. Her high school students win
awards all over the state. They gravitate toward her honesty and kindness. She
doesn’t put up with any bad behavior but she is quick to forgive, quick to
help, quick to defend those she calls her own. She never saw this career coming
but she is so very thankful that it did.
God knows where we need to be to make the most
difference in this world. God knows what has been and what is to come. He sees
deep inside our hearts. My friend from so many years ago? Because she didn’t
have her own family, she was able to spend 8 years caring for her invalid father.
She also helped raise her brother’s children after their mother abandoned them.
She has had a full life, filled with love. Just not the life she imagined.
As for me, well, I’m back where I belong, telling
stories and teaching people about Jesus and caring for those who have no one
else. It isn’t the life I would have chosen but it sure is the right life for
me.
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