The Defective 5 Year Plan

I like to plan things. Not in a to do list sort of way but mentally. I don't like surprises either. When I wake up in the morning I take a shower and I think about what I'm going to do that day. Typically it's the same pattern every day. Take shower, go to class (during school), drink my coffee, etc. Day in and day out. I like a plan. I've had my life plan since junior high. Graduate high school, go to LCU, get married, have a career, have children, be a stay at home mom. Boom! That's what I want. That's what I'm going to do. Well, I did graduate high school and I did go to LCU after that my "life plan" kind of fell apart. I did not find the love of my life at LCU and doubt that I will. I graduate in ten months and I have not had a long term relationship. Ever. Basically my life plan got crapped out. Now I'm having to make decisions that never entered my mind that I would have to make. Where do I go to grad school? Omaha? St. Louis? Alabama? How am I going to live by myself? How am I going to pay the bills while I'm in grad school. Yay for fun adult stuff. It absolutely kills me to not know what is going to happen, what the "plan" is. FYI, this doesn't usually work out well in relationships, there's too many unanswered questions. Anyway, back to my point, I want to hold on to my plans as much as I possibly can. It's my security. It means that I have control. Maybe I'm control freak. I really don't know. But here's what I'm learning, God's "five year plan" may not be your five year plan. Life has a way of throwing you some major curve balls that you never saw coming. I think God intended it to be that way. Right when we're thinking that we know what's up God says "wait a minute, here's what I've got for you." the thing is, His plans are even greater than yours will ever be! You may think you have to marry that person, or pursue that career but you know what? It may not work out that way, and it's ok. God knows what he's doing. A very good friend of mine said today, "if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." Funny, but very true. Clicheness a ahead, but give your plans to God and let Him turn your life into what he wants!