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. (Jeremiah 29:11) 

 

This word has anchored me throughout my life. It is one of those reminders that God is a loving father who wants the best for me. This morning, I had to get 4/5 of my children out the door, like I usually do. Why? Because I want the best for them, I want them to go to school, so they can receive an education. Once they get there they love school,  it gives them a sense of purpose and community. My heart is to see them flourish and succeed with life. My plan for them is good and I am determined to get them there on time. 

BUT

Some mornings, I have to drag them out of bed, against their will.

Other mornings I force them to eat a good breakfast because they need it to do well.

Other days I have to discipline them, as they act up, or bicker with their siblings.

Other mornings I have to deal with a crisis, or a meltdown, just as we are heading out the door.

Other days, they just need grace because they are ill, or feeling overwhelmed. 

Some mornings, they can’t find their lunch kits, or they throw a need at me last-minute, and I am scrambling to sign permission forms, and find a show and tell item that begins with the letter X!

I have to say that though my plan for them is good, getting them to school in the mornings can be complete chaos! 

When we hear God’s word:  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. ”   We must remember all God is doing to prepare us for that future and hope. There is a lot of grace, patience and damage control on God’s part. Despite our best intentions and willingness to reach that hope and future, we don’t make it easy on Him.  

So today, I am reflecting on how I can be better ready, and prepared to let God lead me out the door to that future, and that good plan. Am I causing the delay, because I can’t find my confidence? Have I forgotten to go to God earlier when I needed Him, not at the last second when I am desperate? Am I getting up each morning ready to take on the day? Or am I distracted, and slow to get going?

It’s good to remember that God has to put up with a lot from us, though we often blame Him for our misery. However, if we know that His plan for us is good, then we are more willing to work with God to get us to our good future on time.