There's this family that I know that wanted to have another child, they planned the exact month that they wanted to conceive (and did), but when the baby miscarried instead of ever trying again, they stopped. I know the pain of miscarriage, so when I heard this my heart broke. A baby unless born at X time just didn't fit into their life. Too scared or too busy? If it didn't fit into their plan, they didn't want any. How many times do I (we) cram God into a box?
I recently overheard some adoption conversation (from people who hadn't adopted). Though I didn't listen intently I heard several 'reasons' why adoption just wasn't 'right' for them. If I had had my game on, I could have walked over and said, "God doesn't command you to adopt, but to take care of the orphan and the widow. So how are doing with that command?" But I was distracted from a busy week, kids and emotional exhaustion. Things had not gone according to my plan last week and I was still recovering. (yes, I am human :-)) Letting God have your schedule is not always easy. Did I miss a divine appointment or was simply being there with all our kids enough to show that adoption is sometimes not what we planned and is hard, but so worth it.
How much are we planning our lives and expecting God to 'bless' OUR plan and how much are we saying, "It's all yours. Every breath. All my time. All that I have is yours. Use it to further your kingdom."
So last week I fit in one overnight out of town appointment, gymnastics, our regular 6 weekly medical appointments, speech and OT evals, an ENT visit and one surgery. Friday the 21st is when we received the phone call that we could see the doctor on Monday the 24th. Thursday the 27th is when we found out about surgery on the 28th. If I had held on too tightly to MY schedule, we would have missed seeing a wonderful geneticist (who's also a developmental pediatrician) that treated us with care and like we are people (a novel idea, I know). We also would be looking at having to wait two weeks for ear tubes for Ms. E, who already had fluid on one ear and had a massive ear infection (still) in the other.
What is God trying to fit into your life? He might not be calling you to adopt, but is He calling you to pray for an adoptive family? Or maybe you could help a child right where they are by becoming a Compassion sponsor, is He calling you to give of your finances? Maybe your time can be your gift and you could visit nursing homes or deliver meals?
God knows us, how much hair we have, each of our needs, what our favorite things are and He WANTS to bless us. Sometimes those blessings happen when we let go of our plan and say, "Daddy, I am yours, use me." He is best able to use us when we are weak, because He strengthens us and His strength is revealed to others. He is best able to use us when we don't know the answer, because He is the answer and His wisdom and glory is then demonstrated. He is able to use us when we put our plans aside, because He has an eternal plan that will draw people to Him.
So this week are you failing to plan, planning to fail or planning on God?
Zebras 'eating' her hospital bracelets
