Extreme Makeover: Future Edition

It seems to be in the times of greatest confusion that people are most willing AND most reluctant to submit to God's plan. Let me explain... When we are confused, and honestly don't know what to do about a situation or what is going to happen next, how is there a way to prepare? Well, there really is not a way to prepare. So, because of this, it is easier to submit to God's plan because He has the best in mind for His children. At the same time, it is difficult to submit to His will, because of the not knowing what will happen next or how to prepare. After all, "it's my life, I know what's best for me"....right? SURE! Well, other than the reality that humans don't know everything, and the deeply significant theological fallacies of such thinking. Zing!

Last night was a difficult night to fall asleep quickly because I could not stop thinking about certain topics; namely, my future. As mentioned in previous writings, maybe this is partly attributed to knowing so many people who are getting married and finding positions in - or related to - their chosen careers. Working as a restaurant hostess isn't exactly why I went to college for four years, even though some would say it's completely in my league because of the whole theatre major aspect. Funny right? Maybe the first time a bit of "encouragement" is shared, but after a while, it becomes more discouraging. What am I doing with my life? Towards what goals and aspirations am I striving? Am I striving at all? What sets me apart from almost every other 20-something who has recently graduated from college and is living at home again while trying to get on her feet?

Before the weekend, I spent the day (quite literally!) with a wonderful friend from church. It started out as a lunch date, as usual, but then turned into an all-day date where we talked about nearly everything under the sun while caring after her adorable 13-month baby boy (who is growing WAY too fast, btw). We talked about how it can be so strange being right out of college and single (though she married soon after graduation), and how there are so many choices for women these days that, often times, we are not prepared to face. It seems like not too long ago that women were expected to be stay-at-home moms and homemakers, or to be a secretary. None of this variety that now exists for women! She and I talked about how we really need to make the most of the situations we are in, regardless of whether they are what we want to be doing for eternity, and not overlook the present for the sake of looking towards the future. We also need to be preparing for the future now, instead of just thinking "oh, I'll deal with that later when it happens." There is something to be said for planning in advance, even though there are situations that are nearly impossible to predict. That being said, we shouldn't let the planning ahead become obsessive or paranoid. The instances we discussed were more along the lines of preparing for what you would like to do/be in the future. If you want to be a stay-at-home mom and wife, why not experiment in cooking? And before anyone makes the argument that this comment is sexist, lets just step back and look at the reality that cooking is a skill that can be appreciated by all, regardless of their marital status. Cooking can be fun for some people, and others can enjoy from the practice, whether that is because you are hosting company or because you work as a chef. Cooking is appreciated by all. If you want to have a full-time career outside of the home, why not prepare for that career? Working on communication, organizational, leadership, and computer skills are requirements for a variety of different fields!

There seems to be such a delicate balance between trying to prepare for the future, and also being content in the present...something that I seem to struggle with, especially recently. Certainly, prepare for the future, but also make the most of those preparation situations and relationships that are formed throughout the learning and experimenting! Does that make sense?

While reading my devotional last night, there was an illustration from Dr. James Dobson that, basically, tells the story of a man who kept writing out his goals and his plans for his life. At the bottom of the page, he signed his name and said "Ok, God, here you go!" He didn't hear God respond, so he looked at the list again, thinking he missed something, and then gave it back to God again. Still....nothing. Then He heard God say to take paper and tear it. The moral of the story was that God doesn't want our lists of plans and ideas with our names signed at the bottom. Instead, God wants us to hand Him a piece of paper with nothing but our signatures, then He can fill in the blanks. Cliche? If so, only because people have probably heard this analogy before and have grown tired of hearing it repeatedly, labeling it trite. However, to the Christians who respond in this way, disregarding the wisdom of this story, I want to remind them of Psalm 55 8-9 which says "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.'" Feel intimidated? Well, in one way I want to say "GOOD!" because God is way more powerful and mysterious than we can hope to fully comprehend. One the other hand, I offer this encouragement from Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Life is confusing. Let's not pretend that it is something different; God does not always tell us His plan in advance. However, let us never forget that, even though we may not know what exactly what is waiting in the future, He already has a plan. We just need to be ready and willing to follow. Whatever He plans.

"I made a list, wrote down from A to Z
All the ways I thought that You could best use me
Told all my strengths and my abilities
I formed a plan, it seemed to make good sense
I laid it out for You so sure You'd be convinced
I made my case, presented my defense
But then I read the letter that You sent me
It said that all You really want from me is just

Whatever, whatever You say
Whatever, I will obey
Whatever, Lord, have Your way
'Cause You are my God, whatever

So strike a match, set fire to the list
Of all my good intentions, all my preconceived ideas
I want to do Your will no matter what it is
Give me faith to follow where You lead me
Oh, Lord, give me the courage and the strength to do...

Whatever, whatever You say
Whatever, I will obey
Whatever, Lord, have Your way
'Cause You are my God, whatever

I am not own
I am Yours and Yours alone
You have bought me with Your blood
Lord, to You and You alone do I belong
And so whatever"

~Whatever, Steven Curtis Chapman~