“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
I’ve been sitting at my computer now for about an hour. I keep getting distracted from my blog. I made a hotel reservation for an upcoming trip. I sent a few emails. I printed a few documents. And I even started a job application.
Don’t worry, I quickly abandoned it when I realized how long it was! I don’t think I’m ready yet! That’s ok, it’s only October 13. I have time, and God has a plan. Right? I am counting on it!
That doesn’t mean I am going to stay in my pajamas until January 1 expecting a phone call that will offer me a ridiculous amount of money to do exactly what I love. Of course not! Although my jammies are rather comfy, if I do say so myself. I will apply for some jobs. I may even complete an application today, but I’ve gotta work up to it.
God’s plan for me right now is to be doing exactly what I am doing. I am resting. I am processing. I am feeling. I am evaluating. I am healing. And it all takes time.
It’s pretty amazing to me that the whole time I was running around in St. Louis, working full-time plus, parenting, maintaining a large home, and barely keeping my head above the water line, God was planning for me to take this break. He knew it was coming. I had no idea. I just kept pushing. Wash another load of laundry, grade another stack of papers, buy another cart of groceries, fill another prescription, cook another meal, make another appointment. It was non-stop. Until God said, “Stop.”
I never expected a break. I longed for a shift, a different position, a lighter load, an emptier nest, but never in a million years, did I imagine six months of not working, just resting, just recovering, just contemplating.
But He knew. He knew I needed time to do nothing. Hours to read, to play Words with Friends, to sleep, to watch Law and Order (there, I finally outed myself), to try new recipes, to drink coffee and tea, to connect with old friends, to make new friends. I had no idea I needed this. But He did.
It’s a bit overwhelming, to be honest. The one who created the universe– the trees, the river, the deer, coffee, and every single person — noticed me running frantically about like the squirrels in the trees outside my window. He saw me fussing and fretting and trying to order my world. And, instead of just being entertained my my futile attempts, he stepped into my life and provided what I needed.
So, why would I worry that he doesn’t have the next phase planned, too? I have no idea. For forty-eight years he has provided just what I needed at exactly the right time — friends, mentors, experiences, finances, food, shelter, clothing, spouse, children, employment, and even rest. Why would He stop now?
Luke 12:6-7
Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.
…Do not fear, you are more valuable than many sparrows.
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