Recently, someone very close to me described me as “over-the-top” when it comes to planning things.  I couldn’t disagree; I love plans and details.

The idea of being prepared is a part of my obsessive nature.  I know many of you share this character trait; that’s why we are connected!

I make lists. I think about all the things I might need and I over-plan. Food. Lesson plans. Budget. Clothes. Events.

I talk about it. Then I talk about it some more. I go over what-ifs in my head.  I want to be ready for any unforeseen situations.

My purse or book bag will many times emulate Mary Poppins’ carpet bag with the paper/notebooks, pens, tissues, extra quarters for Aldi’s, three pairs of glasses, chap stick, random devotionals, toothbrush, extra socks…

These days my time and activities are not overly arranged. For the first time in my life, I do not live in a full calendar. I try to stay somewhat organized, but it’s not imperative as I usually have time to do what needs to be done. I will admit, though, it is difficult some days.  After living most of my life in a minute-to-minute agenda, this freedom is hard to get used to. 

However, I have some really big, life-changing events coming up! I’m looking forward to several exciting pieces of my next chapter. I have dates scheduled and have been praying really big prayers for these experiences to be true blessings for all involved.  The plans are already in place; I just have to wait and see how they play out.

The anticipation is a lot! 

I am so very grateful for God’s goodness as I can see His hand in all that is happenings.  And, I am trusting Him in every detail. I know He is faithful because I have seen how He works everything for good. 

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28 (ESV)

However, that doesn’t change the fact that I want to know the particulars.  I’d rather not wait for answers. I want to schedule the next steps. I want to be in on the secrets; no surprises. I want to be prepared.

I remind myself that it’s all in His hands and His blessings await.  His timing and His ways are perfect.  I have seen evidence of this time and time again.  And, even if I want all the solutions, the results, the outcomes right now, I also know He wants to bless me and my family and my friends. I believe in His promises, His word, His truth.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…” Ephesians 3:20 (ESV)

Even though I can tell you exactly how I see my plan working out and how I think I have thought of everything, I know God is saying, “Watch this!”  I truly believe when we are obedient to Him, when we are following Christ and allowing Him to be Lord of our lives, when we glorify Him in what we say and do, that He delights in blessing us…

in ways that we may expect and in unexpected ways as well…

in big ways and in the smallest detail…

in the scheduled events and in the surprises…

in the possible and in the impossible…

I can plan all I want, but it’s His plans that I will experience! And, I’m so excited to see them, live them, appreciate them, and enjoy them.

Are you like me, in a state of anticipation today?

Are you expecting something special?  Are you busy planning and preparing?

Are you in limbo until a specific date?  A certain event? A likely outcome?

Are you waiting and wanting something to work out according to your plans?

Are you packing your carpet bag to make sure you are prepared?

Are you praying for the next thing? A miracle? A way in or a way out?

If so, join me in praying for His will to be done,

for His favor to be upon us and His goodness to fill our hearts, our souls, our minds,

for gratitude in the way He loves us, in the way His timing is perfect, in the ways He knows just what we need,

for His grace and mercy and peace in every part of our daily lives.

All Glory to God!  For He is so, so good!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”  Romans 15:13 (ESV)