"We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps." Prov. 16:9(NLT)
Dropping by today...just a quick cup and visit.
"Coffee pot unplugged...check. Lights off...check. Doors locked...check. Ready to leave. Absolutely! Destination...Lexington, KY. Purpose: grandmother's 100th birthday celebration."
Such anticipation! My plan is set. I am flying to Dallas to make a connecting flight with my sister, brother and his wife. I'm so looking forward to the time to visit with my sister on the flight, having tucked away in my heart things to talk about and share with her. I can hardly wait.
I look at the window. Humm...snow flurries. But, hey, I live in Houston how bad can it get, right? As I approach the airport, the small flurries have turned to heavy snowflakes. It's literally a "whiteout." I quickly observe that there is still a lot of activity going on...no problem with snow, I live in Houston. Must be a go!
Make it through security, check the monitors, and arrive at my appointed gate of departure. Chaos! Sooo crowded and then I hear the words, CANCELLED, ALL FLIGHTS CANCELLED. I make my way to the service counter, trying to keep a smile on my face, asking sweetly, "So, what flight can I get on to get to Dallas? The weather is great there, I hear."
"No flights. Do you want to make a future flight or get a refund?"
"Uh, you don't understand. My grandmother is turning 100 years old. I need to get there. This only happens once in a lifetime. I can't miss this." I'm fighting back the tears.
"Sorry. Refund?"
As I make my way back to my car, trying to see through my tears, I can't believe this is happening. Snow! Flight cancelled. Are you kidding? She is going to be 100. "Lord, You know I have been planning this for months."
Driving home, my tears have turned to sobs and have been pouring out my heart to my daughters, feeling disappointment like I have not felt in a long, long time. It's so bad that I can't even appreciate the beauty of the snow.
"Lord, she is turning 100!" I find myself saying again. "I wanted to be there, to hug her, to love on her, to see family I have not seen in decades. Why can't I go. Snow...it has only snowed in Houston 4 times in 15 years and it picks today? Lord, I don't understand." Even in the midst of all my talking, sobbing, and complaining, I heard the sweet voice of my Father, "I love you."
It was at that time---even before I got home---that I had to walk through a process...I could choose to be obedient or put it off and have to do it later. I thanked the Father for the circumstance, acknowledged He knows best, and began to praise Him for His care over me. Did I understand why I couldn't go? No. Did I try to figure it out why I had to stay? No. I simply realized that the snow was the only thing that would keep me from going, but I had to be content and trust my Father in HIS plans.
What about you? Have you had any plans fall through at the last minute? What has your response been? Oh, to be truthful...it is only because of my growing in the Lord, that I did not throw a fit, get angry, and take it out on everyone else. We have a Father who loves us so much and brings about the best for us. Let's trust Him to believe that and learn to be flexible, thankful, and proceed with a heart of praise to Him. Is that always easy? No. But is it rewarding? Yes.
I still think about not going to the party, but I have to trust my Father according to His will and His plan. May we find ourselves walking along side our Father. He loves you the most!
