A Change of Plans
Author: Deborah Ross (North Carolina, US)
While I was preparing for work, the phone rang. The message said that schools in my area were closed again because of the wintry weather. I was thankful that students and teachers would not have to travel on icy roads. But as a teacher I had worked hard to prepare lessons for my students—lessons I would not be able to teach.
In my frustration, I remembered the verse from Psalm 31 which says, ‘My times are in thy hand.’ I began to think of the day before me in a new way. How could I best use this time? Possibilities formed in my mind, including quiet time for prayer, scripture reading and writing my journal. I also found time for some neglected household chores. Frequently I looked out at the falling snow and admired the beauty of God’s world. My frustration turned to contentment as the day became filled with meaningful moments.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 tells us, ‘Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.’ I wasn’t teaching, and the day did not go as I had planned. But, through God’s guidance, I still spent time doing meaningful work. After all, my times are always in God’s hands.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to remember that when our days don’t go as we plan, you are still at work in life’s events. Help us to trust you throughout each day of our life. Amen
