That's The Plan

I decided to use my morning off to deliver hot chocolate to a friend. We had a nice visit.
After I got home, I decided to cook. I made chicken salad.

While cooking, I decided to turn on the TV. I turned on WRAL’s news coverage of Dorian.

While watching the news, I saw the picture of the Jeep that someone decided to drive onto the beach during a storm. I got mad when I saw a father allow his young son to climb onto the Jeep for a selfie.

I decided to write my note about what I had just seen. I see the effects of questionable parenting every day.

Then Debra Morgan made me laugh.

“…Dorian is on the same path as Hurricane Fran, only it’s not going to hit us as hard. Well. It’s not supposed to hit us as hard. That’s the plan anyway.”

That’s the plan.

First, I thought, do hurricanes have plans?

Then, I thought, how many times do we make plans that completely fail?

How many times have I planned to conquer the world while driving home, only to get here and promptly watch all of my energy dissipate?

How many times have I planned a lesson only to watch it fail?

Plans are good. Plans are needed. Having a good plan helps keep thoughts organized and actions on track.

But, really, when it comes down to it, how many plans are actually within our control? Especially when it comes to the weather!?

I think of Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, ‘declares the LORD,’ plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

And I think of a name for God that has been floating around my mind for a few days—"God of heaven and earth and all points between.”

And I am reminded that plans are so much bigger than me—not completely independent of me—I must do my part—but, ultimately, life and nature are so much bigger than me—than us.

And even when I don’t understand the outcome, I am glad.

God of heaven and earth and all points between, help us to see the beauty in all things. Lead us to a time and place where each unique aspect of life and creation is appreciated—even hurricanes that we intellectually understand but emotionally cannot fathom. Move our live and spirits toward common peace. Amen.