Change of Plans

You know how sometimes things don't go exactly according to plan?

On Friday, I had about 6 places to go for our afternoon errands.   Don't ask me why I felt it necessary to cram all into one afternoon, but they kind of just fit together.   You know one was on the way to the next, etc. etc.   And we were going to end our errands with the reward of a playdate (planned by my daughter) with our wonderful friends that we don't see often enough.   And since we were going to be in their neighborhood, I was excited to go by another friend's house to see all the fabulous changes that have taken place since the last time I had stopped by.

Well, after spending about an hour trying to get out of the house with everything I needed for the errands, and getting shoes on, and changing a dirty diaper, and getting snack, we headed out to the car.    We were happy to be on our way.   Until, we stopped at the stoplight, and as I started to go again, my car very hesitantly chugged, chugged, chugged, onto the 45 mph highway.   And even though my check engine light has been on for a couple of days, now it was blinking at me.    As if to say, "I'm SERIOUS this time!!"

So with my daughter crying, "It's NOT FAIR!" I turned the car around and headed back home.   Slowly, with my hazards on.     I was disappointed at the turn of events, but I knew that it would work out.   On the way home, I stopped by another friend's who only lives a couple blocks away and begged her to let her kids come over and play.  She said yes, and our ruined plans quickly turned back into a great afternoon.

So, yesterday when we went apple picking, we all four piled into my old '94 Eclipse hatchback, and with no speedometer, and no odometer, drove to go apple picking.   Which, I'm sure I'll tell you about soon.

Today in Sunday School, the lesson was based on Joseph's life, about how even in our worst  moments of life, God is still at His best.   Working things together for the good of those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).   We broke into groups for our small group time, and a couple girls were new to our group.   Even being in our small group for the first time, when I asked, "Have there been times when you have had really bad things happen?  When you weren't sure if God was working in your life?"   These two spoke up and said things like, "When my brother got put in a wheelchair."   and   "When my mama couldn't raise me because she drinks and parties."

And I just think sometimes, how much faith it takes for those who suffer, to see that God could be working for the good.   To choose to trust in His best, even though it's no where in sight.  Even though it might look like utter crap and junk, and a pile of @*##, there could still be a plan to bring something great out of it.    These girls were able to smile and say that they knew that God could still work in those situations.

Another one of my girls gave a great answer that I loved.   When asked how we could live that verse out this week, she said, in her panthers jersey, "I guess if the panthers lose today, I could know that the other fans would be happy for their team."   I laughed, and said, "That's a great example!"    However, they definitely did not lose, and I know that she's glad of that.

I love how even a mind of a child can fathom the wonders of God.   It makes sense why He tells us to become like little children.