Today was one of those days where my plans for the day all fell into place…mostly. After getting 3 hours of sleep the night before…thank you Gideon… I had just a few things on my to-do list for the day. I got some things shipped, picked up some groceries, and took the kids swimming… and thanks to my wonderful mother, I even got a 2 hour nap!!
So since everything was going swimmingly (I crack myself up), I decided I would get the kids bathed early so they could go to bed right at bed time. Of course I should have known better; how often times do all our plans actually work out the way we plan?
The unravel happened when my daughter went outside to briefly “check” on her daddy. You can imagine how my eyes rolled when my bed-ready-big-sis came back in soaking wet. My husband had been working on the sprinklers out back & what I saw as a major inconvenience, he saw as an opportunity for father-daughter bonding. He decided they needed some play time in the sprinklers. Laynie was thrilled. Me? Not so much.
As I was bathing her for the second time, my husband smiled and said to me, “Sorry I ruined your plans.” My heart sank. I told him I really wasn’t that upset about it- I just wasn’t expecting such events to unfold the way they did. But I am so grateful for a husband who looks for opportunities to spontaneously play and show love to our kiddos.
In regards to my plans, I learned a long time ago (and it’s being reinforced daily) that I can make plans all day long; but the Lord’s plan has and always will supersede my own. I think lots of people know and love Jeremiah 29:11
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.
I don’t know about you, but I haven’t always had the best response when plans don’t go my way. My hope is that with each passing day, I respond more in love and less in frustration. After all, how many times have my plans failed, but the Lord has brought something better that I might have missed if my plans had worked out?
Thank you Lord for Your plans! Had Laynie gone to bed on time I would’ve missed out on some things. I’m so grateful for these unplanned moments tonight- the sweetest conversation with Laynie about giving; blowing bubbles; watching Laynie and her daddy play chase; laughing as Laynie danced around in her birthday suit, rocking both my babies at the same time…while listening to my oldest baby sing to her Sofia dolly.
If I’ve learned anything since my son’s diagnosis, it’s that time is precious. The time to love and invest in our kids and others is flying by!! Don’t miss out on opportunities because of the plans you’ve made. Sure we all need a plan of action, but if it doesn’t go our way, let’s not get frustrated. Instead how about we ask God, what are you trying to show me?? Chances are, God wants to turn your attention to matters far more important than anything else you can imagine.
Thank you God for my family time tonight. Give me Your eyes to always see the bigger picture…Your plan.
Love reading your updates, since starting to read about your Gideon, I’ve been snuggling my almost 10 month old little baby boy with a little more purpose and sometimes I think about my feelings for him and picture you the same with your little boy since they’re so close in age. Keep enjoying every smile, giggle and tear knowing that each stage only lasts so long. I’ll be praying for you to get more rest and for God to give you energy and strength to enjoy each day.
Thanks Jacey! These times sure are sweet. Although its almost 1 am and he’s still fussing. Lol. I’m really appreciating those prayers about rest because I so desperately need them now! 🙂 I appreciate you messaging me!! Take care!
I love reading your posts. I hope they are as therapeutic for you to write as it is for me to read them. Praying for your beautiful family.
Thanks Candy!! It has been very therapeutic for me!! I’m glad to know you like them. 🙂 thanks for your prayers!! God bless!
Laughter is the best medicine for all of us!!
I agree! 🙂
And everyone said Amen! It seems like yesterday I was trying to get my daughter off sippy cup and now she is a 3rd grader and my 6lb baby boy is now a 30lb 2yr old. Time is of the essence. Thanks for this beautiful reminder. Praying for yall!
Thanks for your prayers Genevie!! Time does fly by, no doubt! Hug those babies tight while you can! Thanks for messaging me!! God bless!
I really enjoyed this post. The scripture and words are so poignant for me right now too. I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I love that you have faith and are leaning on Jesus. It can’t be easy, I’m sure. I am currently battling melanoma and through all this I’ve had to learn to lean on Him too. And balance things and realize that my plan means nothing in comparison to His plan. I really enjoyed reading this. I will pray for your family.
Jenn, I’m glad you messaged me! I’m so sorry to hear you’re battling melanoma, but I’m overjoyed by the fact that you’re leaning on Jesus. Someone recently gave me a book by John Piper called “Don’t Waste Your Cancer.” It’s tiny..15 pages and pretty powerful. We bless others through our trials when we praise Jesus no matter our circumstance. It’s so backwards…the world expects us to curse God when bad things happen, yet we praise Him instead. That’s the kind of faith that brings a lost world to their knees. To look death in the face and say, “It is well with my soul!” Keep praising Him in the storm and you will see Jesus do amazing things..not just in your life, but in the lives of those around you. God bless you! I’m lifting you up in prayer now!!
Thank you for this reminder! Having a 7 and 10 year old of my own with all their activities and working full tume, life gets crazy and sometimes plans get ruined. I need to cherish precious time we have.
You don’t know me, but I have really been enjoying reading your blog. You are a strong woman and I admire you. I will definitely be praying for you and your family. God bless!
Thanks Paula! I appreciate your words of encouragement. Our kiddos are grown all too soon, aren’t they? Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog and message me. I’m grateful for your prayers. God bless you and yours!