Never Write Your Plans in Sharpie

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Proverbs 19:21

Life is not a straight line between point A and point B. It’s a bit curvy wurvy, and looks more like the markings of my childhood Spirograph. But I gotta tell you-I love straight lines, corners, and right angles! They hold structure. They are reliable. Levels, rulers and measuring tapes are dependable tools I posses in my very own pink tool box. SIDE NOTE: I thought the pink would deter ‘borrowing’ of said tools. I was wrong!

Much like straight lines, outlines and schedules are comforting for me. An extended period of time without structure will cause me to feel displaced. One of the biggest disagreements my husband and I ever had was over scheduling. Early in our marriage we planned a vacation. Well, he said we were going. I planned it. I printed an itinerary of minute by minute events. I left no room for breathing! My husband hated it. I can now understand why!

His idea of a vacation is rest and flying by the seat of your pants. I have never been a fly by the seat of your pants kind of person. I prefer to take in as much knowledge and culture as I can when in a new place. He wants to take naps and sit by the pool. At the time, my thoughts were I can sleep when I’m dead! and Who wants to sit by the pool at a hotel? What can one learn at a pool? Yes, Yes! I know! I was a bit high strung! But my feelings were hurt as I had invested so much of my time in the research and organization. However, after some…um-mm…intense discussion…I revamped my itinerary to include some downtime.

Over time I have learned to make general plans for vacation including only one or two big things we want to do each day. I have decided to be flexible and we have both determined to have grace toward one another regarding our personality. One of our best vacations was completely spontaneous. Once at the decided location, while my husband and boys chilled out, I hired a guide to take me on a private tour the city, museums, and historical points. On another day, when my husband and boys went white water rafting, I toured a local village, got in some shopping, and found the local coffee shop. We were all able to do the things we enjoyed and still spend time with one another.

Rigidity will cause one to break. The strongest skyscrapers are engineered to sway some with the wind. They give. It is not weakness to compromise or to cooperate. Cooperation works together toward a common goal.

While a single straight line holds order, there is no depth. It just is. The markings of a Spirograph are beautiful. It is layer after layer, turn upon turn, multicolored, and multifaceted! This is much like our GOD! And while God is indeed a God of order, the deepness of who He is calls into the deepest parts of who we are. He leads. He guides. He is a God of adventure. He challenges us to cooperate with His plans for us and to partner with HIM for the purpose of the Kingdom!

Sometimes we become so focused on our own goals we forget our purpose. We forget HIS purpose. God will often shake things up a bit to remind us of who He is and what He had called you to. So, never write your plans in Sharpie! Be willing to use a dry erase marker. Get ready for some changes and some surprises. Following Him is the greatest adventure of all!

Oh…there are some things you can write in Sharpie-God loves you, He never fails, and His promises are sure and steadfast!

 "A man's heart plans his course, 
but the LORD determines his steps." 
Proverbs 16:9