When Things Don’t Go As Planned

I used to pre-plan every minute of every day. Seriously. Every. Single. Minute.

I love to make lists and check things off when they are complete. There is a successful feeling tied to the completion of projects and tasks, however, I have learned to stop allowing my plans to dictate my happiness. When things don’t go as planned there is no reason to get upset, frustrated, or crazy. And trust me, I have plenty of experience in the crazy category.

Things happen.

Life happens.

It’s 3:00 AM and I hear the sound of a child. In my half a-sleep state, I listen carefully and am faced with the decision to nod back off into sweet sleep or get up and tend to the sound. If I could identify the exact need of the child, I would have a better gauge on what to do. As I snuggle back down into bed, I hear it again. My body lies still, but my mind tells me to get up and check on the situation.

Instantly it hits me, and my feet hit the floor running. I had heard this sound before. It wasn’t the nightmare cry, fear of the dark or the need for a drink of water. It was one of the most dreaded sounds and smells a parent could experience, especially in the middle of the night. As I evaluate how bad the damage could be, I stumble through the dark to the sound of gagging, hoping there are no stray Legos in my path. One of the children was sick to their stomach and I was pretty sure they did not make it to the restroom. The smell hit my nostrils before I arrived on the scene.

Amidst trying to get the sick child bathed, linens in the washer, treating the stain on the comforter, holding back my sensitive gagging reflux and still squinting in hopes of a little more sleep, I was in full mom-survival mode. The rest of the night was followed by continual episodes of sickness and clean up. As I lay back down between each episode, I contemplated how tomorrow would be affected.

I had carefully planned the day to be as productive as possible, but I was dealing with the realization that my plans, seemingly productive, would not be produced like I had imagined. Instead, when my alarm went off, I was exhausted and the thought of getting up and starting the day seemed impossible.

It wasn’t until morning that reality set in and I realized my agenda for the day would be tending to my weak child. The “To Do” list I so carefully prepared would have to wait. In my mind, I knew I had to change my plans, but I had fought against my own will all night, thinking I could still complete all I had hoped to accomplish.

When things seem to interrupt busy schedules and illness or circumstances cause plans to be ruined, rather than crumbling and grumbling, embrace it. Erase your plans and make the best of your situation.

Be flexible and allow yourself to live outside of your “To Do” list.

Just because things don’t go as planned, does not mean you are a failure, or that today is a waste.

Planning is good, but flexibility is better.

Use the interruptions and undesired circumstances of life to experience what God already knew would happen anyway. In my case, God gave me a day to hunker down at the house and love on my children a little extra. Don’t get me wrong, my “To Do” list was still in my mind and on my notebook written with my favorite pen surrounded by doodles of flowers and hearts, but the things on the list would have to wait another day.

Sometimes interruptions of life are short and sometimes they last for seasons causing us to truly live moment by moment. I will tell you from experience, living one day at a time, leaning on Jesus every step of the way is a great place to be.

Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1

A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Interruptions are destined to intrude on your plans. Submit them to the Lord and make the best of it. Do not allow your “To Do” list to dictate your life.

Make a new plan to live in the flexibility of God’s divine purpose for each and every day.

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Psalm 143:8

Submitting my interruptions today. Will you join me?

If this has been an encouragement to you, pass it on!

Love & Blessings,

Micah