Constantly rearranging your life

By Ellen Shuck

When you plan something, it ought to turn out as planned, right? If you have done everything you could to assure that all your bases were covered, you had a no-lose situation. It's like when you work hard, save and get an education, everything will go smoothly. Not always true!

My husband and I recently stayed with a very close relative who suffered through a painful surgery. It was performed in a well-known hospital with an impeccable reputation. I had called ahead to see if the hospital offered a room or some kind of quarters for close family members -- even a waiting room furnished with fold-down recliners. I knew we would be occupied with the 14-year-old we were visiting. To be sure, I thought I had taken care of everything. I called ahead to find out what was available. The person with whom I communicated told me they, indeed, had no such accommodations.

We would have to make other arrangements for sleeping and personal hygiene needs. The hospital, instead, provided a sheet with lots of expensive motels. The hospital stay was a weeklong one, but nevertheless, we were forced to find a motel or hotel. After we found our place, we drove through the darkened streets of the big city in the wee hours of the morning. The room was cold, the commode failed to operate properly and the heater was noisy and undependable. However, it served our purposes and we were thankful to have found it. Now, all was arranged for the stay.

Our self-satisfaction was short-lived, however. When we arrived at the hospital the next morning, we found that, yes, the facility had rooms you could stay in and sleep on an elongated recliner. Coffee and food were within easy reach. This was more convenient -- but we already had paid for the motel and it was an online, nonrefundable room. We decided to stay in the hospital and let the room sit. We would have to make other arrangements. It seemed like that's all we did lately -- make other arrangements. I shared with my husband, "We've already paid the money anyway, but we still must drive out of the parking garage and some miles to get there. We've spent the money so we may as well stay where it's more convenient." That was at the hospital sleeping in recliners. I was forced to draw upon the scripture: "The heart of man plans his way but the Lord establishes his steps" (Proverbs 16:9).

When we embarked on our journey to stay and help, along with the mom, I thought it would probably be a stressful four or five days. I kept repeating my favorite scripture, "I can do all things through God who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). The words have assisted me to endure and withstand whatever I must in life.

Now, I make plans and realize they are directed by God. So if you need to redirect your footsteps, do so with confidence knowing God is the cause. The 14-year-old unhappily feels he's different because he has rods in his back to correct a severe spinal curvature. He, too, believes his life is changed because he had other plans. The immature boy's life will change directions, but for the better. He can go forward without future pain and a misshapen body. He can't see the future, but God can.

You will have to rearrange your life many times, but do so with fortitude knowing that, like the ship in the ocean, winds may blow you to and fro, but if your compass is set correctly, you will arrive at your destination. Don't become disheartened, but know that although the route may be changed, the winds are behind you propelling you in the right direction for you.

Sometimes you'd like to stay in your rut and never have to rearrange your affairs, but embrace the changes and observe what you've learned along the way.