When Plans Change, Part 1

“People can make all kinds of plans, but only the Lord’s plan will happen.” (Proverbs 19:21 NCV) 

Finally, after two years, we were heading to Nova Scotia again to visit family and friends. My heart welled with excitement. I pictured myself sitting on the deck of our rented cottage looking at the Bay of Fundy; playing Monday night bingo with my niece Kris, her partner, Susan, my sister, Arie; sitting outside fellowshipping with our friends, Joe and Lucie. After the isolation of Covid-19, after working through my husband’s diagnosis; it was liberating to think about three glorious weeks with friends, family, and the magnificent Bay of Fundy. I was confident this trip was in God’s plan for us. Two scheduled appointments were easily rescheduled to earlier dates. Thanks to our friends, the cottage stay was easily arranged. God had prospered us so graciously that the cost of being away for a month was not a problem. Arrangements for our daughter, Angel, to meet us there for five days was discussed.  Arrangements were finalized Monday, August 9, 2021; we planned to leave Wednesday,  September 15, 2021.

Then, Wednesday, August 11, 2021:

 “Mary, I’m losing my stability. It is difficult for me to walk to the mailbox and back. My legs don’t want to move.” These words came floating past my ears. I wasn’t sure of what I was hearing. With mouth open and eyes staring, I got up, followed the words to my husband, Larry, sitting on the front porch. “Larry, did you say you have trouble walking to our mailbox?”  He nods, “yes.” Our mailbox is about 50 feet away. I breathe in deeply, look at him. I see a pained look, easing from his mouth, settling into his eyes. This is serious. I reach over, touch his hand, we exchange glances. Then, I get my phone and call his neurosurgeon to set up an appointment. When I explain the problem to the nurse, she says Larry has an MRI scheduled for the following Monday; five days away. This was a miracle. We knew nothing of the appointment; we had not received an email nor letter regarding the upcoming appointment. I saw this as a God whisper. God letting us know He knew about Larry’s difficulty before it happened. He had already made provisions. Under normal circumstances, it  takes a month or more to schedule an MRI. I thank the nurse profusely, hang up, look at Larry and say, “Everything is going to be all right. God just showed us He is in this situation.” Larry nods in agreement.  His MRI was Monday, August 16th. 

Even in the blessing of a God whisper; disappointment and fear creep in.

Join me for “When Plans Change, Part 2, to read what happens next.

God, thank You for all the God whispers that tell me you are in every situation. Guard my heart, give me peace of mind.  Show me how to look at all things from Your point of view.  Let me always see the sliver of good in disappointing, scary situations. In the name of Jesus!!! Amen, Amen, Amen!