When Life Goes Off Course

Plans. Lesson Plans, Weekend Plans, Meal Plans, Social Plans, Kid’s Plans, Event Plans, the list can go on and on. 

For every plan I make, for everything I schedule on my phone, in my planner, and on our family calendar, I tend to feel more in control, calmer, and more secure as I look forward to my  day. I have a paper planner, a calendar on the refrigerator, and a digital format that I can access from my computer or phone, in any location. I am always connected and always seemingly in control. 

….and then something always happens. Sports practices get canceled, a teacher is out without a substitute, an unexpected meltdown (yours or someone else’s), and suddenly your day runs you instead of the other way around. You come home exhausted, frustrated, and unsure of your next step. After a few rounds of this roller coaster, it is hard not to question why you got on it in the first place, and when it will ever stop.

Plans, whether major or minor, have unexpected detours that when they pile up can become a major roadblock to staying the course for the calling God has for you. For all the plans you might be making it is essential to slow down and find space to hear the plans He is speaking to you.

In our anxiety-ridden society being grounded in His plan for us is essential, and too often overlooked. We are more apt to Google, scroll, or swipe for our answers instead of opening His word for guidance, support, and encouragement. When was the last time when something was going wrong that you turned to God before your cell phone for answers? Or better yet, when something went well — did you stop to praise Him before you posted your success?

So in all our plans, our successes, and our failures, how can we take these to God instead of perseverating, procrastinating, or trying to push through all on our own? One small suggestion — how you start your day sets the tone. Is the first thing you reach for your Bible, your journal, or your cell phone? For the past five years I have started my morning with the following steps: reading of the Bible, journal, Bible study or reading, and exercise. While the rest of the day may go off course, I can count on that 45 minutes in the morning to get right with Him and be ready for the rest of the day.

And then there are the difficult seasons. A new position doesn’t turn out as planned, you experience an unexpected loss, or a return to school post-pandemic provides more challenges than expected. 

When you are in a season that feels off-course from your calling, how can you recalibrate? For me, I take a pause and revisit my daily spiritual disciplines. Am I engaging in morning Bible study, scripture memorization, or daily journaling? How is my church life going? What am I reading, watching, or listening to on a regular basis?  Reflecting on what you are doing, or what you are not, helps to reset routines and prioritize time in the word and with God on a regular basis.

Hope, in a season of struggle, seems so far off in the distance. Hope can come in big and small packages, but if you are not in a state of wellness when hope shows up, you might not be in a space to receive it. One of my guided mantras for seasons of struggle is: Self-Regulation is Essential for Faith Formation.  Self-regulation is an essential strategy in building resilience in our students. As adults it can be instrumental in deepening our faith relationships and can prepare us to receive hope to see the future He has planned for us

Having a deeper understanding of the importance of self-regulation and self-care, how are you intentionally taking the time to have a regular plan for it? In what ways can you prioritize your health (spiritual, physical, and emotional) during times of stress, challenges, and unexpected changes? When you are spiraling out of control what verse can help you steer towards His love, plans, and wisdom?

Another way to enhance reflection and reframing is to create a calling card. Pray, meditate, and write down how God is growing you in this season of struggle to equip you to become stronger in your calling. 

..in this struggle (write it down)

…God will provide my strength (what is God equipping you with this season?)

So while we all may still gravitate towards creating our own plans, please remember that God is by your side and the ultimate designer of the course of your direction in life.