Motorhome Repairs: Just part of the Adventure!
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
Instead of touring the Southwest US this week, we are home dealing with repair issues. And, I have been reminded of Proverbs 16:9 repeatedly. God plans my every step despite my wrestling to take back control. But, when I get lost in MY plans, HE always knows how to get my attention again. This time, instead of the warm, sunny Southwest, the motorhome is parked in the driveway, awaiting a mobile repair appointment for the refrigerator, and (although I hate to admit it publicly) our family is better off because of the delay. God’s plan is always better than mine, once I stop fretting and embrace the change, that is.
Beyond Van Gogh St. Louis instead!
During this stranded weekend, we headed to St. Louis with Mom, in our car, to make the best of it. And found myself acutely, and sometimes tearfully, aware of my blessings. This week, I was able to sit next to my 88-year-old mother, who was mesmerized by the colors of Beyond Van Gogh. I felt her joy and understood the significance of the day when she recalled the experience, despite the forgetfulness of dementia, as she opened the door to her independent living center. Because of a change in MY plans, I heard my mother’s voice as she pointed out the blinking eyes on Van Gogh’s paintings and the blossoms that made us all feel swept away in a summer breeze. I got the chance to hold her hand while we walked across the parking lot of the St. Louis Galleria, and felt my mom’s overflowing love for me throughout an entire day. God gave me a blessing that was not lost in my normal frenzied pace. He gave me another day, another memory, another chance to be with my mom.
I see Mom often since she lives just across town. I take her to doctor’s appointments, stop in for coffee, gather groceries, and get the Pick 2 at Panera with her, but the joy of that Mother-Daughter relationship can easily be lost in the checklist of responsibilities. God knew I needed a reminder.
Then, I watched, Grace, my high schooler, hug Mom and tell her, “You are my favorite grandmother,” and witnessed the pure joy of their relationship. And on the way home, I discovered Grace was Google-searching the names of Van Gogh’s paintings and choosing the print that she wants to add to her bedroom wall. Today, my daughter was compelled to learn, not by a school requirement, but by being fully present in her experiences. Another blessing from our delay…
On Sunday, to top off my weekend, I joined my church family to hear Pastor Matt imploring me to more fervent prayer in the months to come. He reminded all of us to be praying continually, putting our own desires in line with God’s. Was this delay part of His plan? Perhaps. Throughout the message, I envisioned Jesus accomplishing more in his delays than I could ever hope to do in my own feeble plans.
So, as Mark is working on our 2021 tax return and I prep for tonight’s dinner with Vince and Sarah, my heart is overflowing with thankfulness that God determines my steps. Lord, thank you for loving me enough to alter my plans.
