INSPIRASUNS

We’ve all had those times when things didn’t go the way we hoped. Heck, we even pray for things to go a certain way, and they don’t. And… sometimes it’s extremely disappointing or even painful when things don’t go the way we planned. I know when it happens to me, I’m sad or even upset that things didn’t go the way I had hoped. When that happens, though, instead of being sad or upset, why isn’t the first instinct to say, “Ok, Lord, please guide me along the journey you have planned for me. Let Your will, not mine, be done.”

Let me share just a small example of what I mean. Yesterday, I took my jetski out on the water. I’m still pretty new at the process of launching, making sure I have everything I need, hooking up and parking the trailer, etc. Yes, I admit, I’ve said little prayers, “Lord, please let the traffic be light so I can turn across all these lanes.” “Lord, please let there be light traffic at the boat launch, AND a parking space.” You get the idea, nothing major, just little things to help me along the way.

Well, yesterday, I did as I usually do. Traffic was light, and the turn across the lanes, boom, easy. As I headed to my favorite boat launch, I passed the one that is on the way. It was totally packed, every spot was taken. “That’s not a good sign”, I thought. Not long after I pulled into the lot of the launch I love, (on Marco of course). It was full, but there was one spot left. Unfortunately, one of the drivers had parked in such a way that his trailer was blocking part of the empty spot. A quick check with the attendant, and we both agreed I was small enough to fit into that spot. Awesome!

I made a quick run to the restroom, then back to my truck to load up and launch. Right then, a man pulls in with a small boat, zips right over to the ramp, and launches his boat. Before I knew it, he had parked in my little spot 😦 . To say I was not happy would be a slight understatement!

I headed out, still upset, for another launch I have used, but it isn’t my favorite. It’s always crowded, and yesterday was no different. And…trailers were taking up multiple spots everywhere. My mood only soured more!

I headed back to my favorite spot in hopes that someone had left. Sure enough, as soon as I pulled in, there was an empty space. Great! Only to find a couple launching their boat as I pulled in further. Yes, now I was thoroughly annoyed and upset. The day was beautiful, and I was going to miss it!

As I left, I remembered a spot a friend had told me about. Kind of off the beaten path, so “Nobody goes there”, according to her. I made my way there, down the winding road, and like through the woods, lol. There at the end was a small launch, and yep, three cars parked, that was it. Score!

I looked around to make sure I knew what was where, and let my jet ski into the water. The next issue was making sure I knew how to get back to my car. You see, I wasn’t quite sure where I was going. My trusted GPS was on, marked my starting point, and off I went. Needless to say, the day was gorgeous, there was hardly anyone out where I was, and I learned how to navigate the unknown.

Time went by too fast, and I headed back to load up. When I got to the truck, there was a note on it, stating that it was an $8 fee to launch for the day, and to please stop by the office to settle up. Keep in mind that my favorite spot, which was full, ya, it’s $20 to launch. I stopped by the office to pay my fee, apologizing to the ladies behind the counter. They said no problem and let me know they had an annual pass. For, wait for it…$80. Um, for the whole year? It didn’t take a mathematician to make that decision.

As I pulled away, I said, “Father, why did I not just ask for your guidance? You guided me here on purpose. I’m so sorry for not trusting you.” I believe he wanted me in this little spot. If I had launched where I normally do, I would have toodled around the canals looking at beautiful homes, and then out to see some wildlife. Where I ended up was totally His creation. The dolphin, birds, mangroves, and much more. Yes, He wanted me to spend time where true beauty was. I’m so thankful for how the day ended, and I let Him know it.

This is a simple little example, but I believe it shows that Father has a plan for everything in our lives, even the simple things. Putting all of our trust in Him to guide our daily lives, well, it would probably make for easier and less stressful days. I think of how upset I was yesterday, only to end up with a much better day than I would have had. Instead of getting angry, I should have just said, “Lord, I trust you to show me what’s next.”

Trust in Him, friends. As difficult as it may be sometimes, trust in Him.

Have a good day, and Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. May your day be filled with the love of family and friends!

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.