Lists, Goals, Projects: Oh, how I love these things. Notebooks, Planners, Calendars: I’m all in. You, too? In ninth grade, I mapped out my entire high school curriculum just for fun. In college, I carefully plotted my classes so I could take extra hours each semester in subjects I loved. I knew what my senior classes would be the first week of college.
I was born to plan.
But the Bible says this: In his heart, a man plans his course. But the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Or as I lovingly call it, Life Lesson For Over Planners.
Notice it doesn’t say there is anything wrong with planning. It is something most of us do. BUT the second part, now there’s the kicker. A reminder of who is really in charge and directs our path. So, okay, make plans but be open to bigger, better, more amazing ideas than you could have ever conceived on your own.
Let God surprise you.
Joseph was surprised by God when he became a father in a way he never could have imagined, far beyond what he must have envisioned for himself. To be the father of the Messiah, the Promised One? Unthinkable. In fact, all through the Bible, God surprises in each chapter, with every story.
Several years ago, I had an epiphany, an idea about Joseph that seemed impossible, but somehow I couldn’t let it go. I wanted to write and illustrate a children’s book telling his story. Wasn’t exactly sure how I should go about it, but God surprised me over and over as the project came together. Joseph’s Heart: A Story of Adoption was published last year.
Now the book is a reality and the question is what now? How can this book be used to encourage others? Particularly, other adoptive families? Can it help those who are thinking of adopting? Or needing to raise funds?
But instead of mapping out a 242 bullet point marketing plan (okay, well, maybe I’ve thought of at least a 12 part plan), I am asking God to determine the next steps and surprise me with His plan. I’m willing to work hard, but Lord, show me the way.
Because, whatever it is, it will be so much more than I could have ever dreamed up on my own.
“God has created you out of infinite love and wants you to do unbelievable, phenomenal, surprising things in your life – beyond your wildest dreams!
So let Him.
Sr. Anna Laura O.P.
Mary, so glad I saw your post at the 31 day page! Your book sounds wonderful and your post today was a blessing. God has surprised me in many ways, and often…but I love the verse you chose and the heart I see reflected here in your words! Ha- you might like my Purpose with Planning series if you LOVE to plan. And how that verse ministers to me, and of course I did use it in my series…look forward to seeing where God will lead you, and me in the days ahead. I’m “planning” on seeing His faithfulness and many more surprises. 😉 Enthusiastically, Dawn
Dawn, Thank you for your kind words. I am excited about your series – you were DEFINITELY born to plan! I’m looking forward to seeing where God leads you as well. Writing for 31days has been an unexpected and welcome blessing. Thanks for stopping by.
Mary, I can’t wait to check out your book! And I love your take on Joseph’s surprise!!! Wonderful! Congratulations on day 31, friend!
Dear Mary,
Thank you for 31 days of astonishing blog posts. I’ve read (and re-read) every one of them. Stand alone entries, no doubt, but when read all together, they make an even greater impact. I love how you write. I love what you choose (and what God has chosen for you) to write about — adoption, faith, grace, love, and today’s entry, on how to welcome surprise.
Each day you’ve surprised me, touched me, and inspired me. I only hope you’ll continue posting frequently as I sincerely look forward to whatever you write next.
Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Peter Hedges
Congrats on a successful month of blog posts ☺
Motivation to plan! This is awesome! Congratulations on your book!
Mary, I’m just in love with the words God has place in your pen for today’s post. It’s true: God surprises in the most incredible ways, if only we allow Him to! This month has been a testament to His unending provisions, as well as His ability to go infinitely beyond what I could have ever imagined. Loved your series this month!
When we let go of our small dreams, then, yes, we can let God surprise us. His plans are always so much better than our by the end.
This story is so captivating. We are not an adoptive family and I am still so intrigued to read. Thank you for putting the heart and time in to write this.
Great post. I’m going to have to go back and read them in order. Congrats on finishing the 31 days so well!
I love the idea of letting God surprise you in the marketing realm (and all other realms). I’m not nearly the planner you are and marketing my writing curricula has not been my strong suit. I find myself leaning more and more on God to show me the way. So glad to know I’m not alone and both of us can look forward to some great surprises!
Your book sounds wonderful!