When Plans Change
Author: Ellen M. Cardwell (California, US)
Peggy was home on holiday, and I looked forward to having coffee with her. When she didn’t arrive on time, I wondered what was keeping her. I knew she didn’t have a mobile phone and couldn’t contact me. Eventually, I began to lose patience. Finally she arrived, appearing unhurried, and she apologised for the delay. She explained she had been talking with someone who had revealed a deep need. Peggy took ‘our’ time to respond, trusting that I would understand.
Admiration replaced my annoyance. Like the good Samaritan, Peggy did what she could to bring comfort to someone in need. I asked her, ‘But how did you deal with your own feelings about being late?’
Peggy replied, ‘I’ve learned to trust God with it.’
Now when, through no fault of my own, I’m running late and have notified others of my dilemma, I’m learning to believe God is at work wherever I am going. Often, I learn the people affected were either delayed themselves, or something came up to make the change welcome. Delays are inevitable, but we have a choice; we can either act with frustration or believe that God is directing our steps. Choosing to trust his timing produces peace.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we put today in your hands. Help us to believe that you will order our lives as we trust you with them. Amen
