Change of Plans

We've all heard of Mapquest. A handy little online tool where you type in the address of your location and that of where you're intending on going. Then you hit "Get Directions" and ta-da! You've got your "Get to the Movie Theater in 20 Easy Steps." How convenient, especially for those of us who need to know exactly when to turn left ("In 3.1 miles"). 

Why can't there be a Mapquest for Life? I think it might look a little like this...

Point A: Negative 20 Discontent Lane, Not So Great, USA
Point B: 110 Percent Drive, Apt. Completely Satisfied, Ideal Life, Money

And the we could just click "Get Directions" and be on our way to a better life with a few simple turns. 

If you had asked me four years ago where I intended to be now, my answer would have been, "Married to a rich guy, at least one kid (maybe one on the way), never wanting for anything and never having to work a day in my life because my husband's just that stinkin' rich." And oh, how I've laughed at myself for those plans. You see, my life took a completely different turn. I wanted to go left, but God? He decided my life needed to take a right. Fast forward four years and I'm not married (so, no kids. Not even prospects of rich bachelors) and I still live with my parents, with no amazing multi-million dollar job on the horizon.

There are days that I get down about the fact that I'm not where I wanted to be. And then God gently reminds me that where I am hasn't taken Him by surprise and, in fact, He's going to use it. I just need to focus on being content and testing the doors He shows me are available. 

So when God changes our plans, when He tells us to turn where we want to go straight and take a detour when we'd rather wait for construction to be completed, what is our response? Do we force our Journey to a stand-still and wait for a "better" option (as if anything's better than God's best!)? Or do we choose to trust our Guide and follow His instructions, even if they seem to be taking us miles away from our dreams? I'll tell ya, as I follow God and trust His directions, He's showing me why I'm not as ready as I thought I was for a different life. He's also teaching me that my idea of "good" is incomparable to His idea of best. So let's trust our Guide and let's enjoy this Journey, because it's through the detours and unexpected turns that we learn the most.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and A FUTURE."

- Jeremiah 29:11