While I’m not one of them, I’ve heard there are people who map out the trajectory of their lives and then proceed to (try to) make it all happen per the ‘plan.’ For those special individuals, it would be intriguing, years later, to talk with them and find out how that self-designed agenda has worked for them. For myself, I had a kaleidoscope of lofty thoughts of what I’d like to do, but only two ‘nevers:’ they were, be a missionary and become a pastor. Most of you know, by now, how well that has played out. How easy to think one could be whatever one chose or not become whatever was scratched from the list. How easy to remain oblivious to the open secret that God has loving and fruitful plans, too.
So, regardless of whether you are a planner or a non-planner, what part(s) of your current circumstances is a variation of what you may have imagined? There are many twists and turns in real life and relationships, family issues and health concerns which can scribble all over the initial, pristine worksheet. It’s encouraging to see how vastly blessed we are, despite detours and roadblocks and stumblings. And how vastly blessed we are, because of the countless surprising, unmerited Holy Spirit interventions. I’m convinced, at the end of our pondering, we’ll be awash in gratitude for it all. (I am!) It’s a good idea to share the arc of our journeys with others, too. It blesses us in the telling and blesses those who hear it, including, by the way, God, our Father!
God’s Love Story, the Bible, is chockablock with men and women whose stories continue to challenge and inspire us these millennia after their passing. Reading how each responded to God’s invitations can be a teaching tool for us, either by way of a solemn warning or a green light for own moving toward the Father’s heart. As well, we see that our story is one that will be passed on to future generations. It’s a sobering thought that however big or small our contribution, however seen by crowds or known only by a select few, every life has an impact. Looking forward to seeing you storied people, tomorrow, 10 AM, 2 PM FR. PD
ATTN: spring ahead time-change in the morning!