Starting Out

As I reflect on the paths we take in life and where to start narrating my journey, I realize each day nothing is conveniently in order... at least not a day I've ever had.  Sure, we like to think we plan our day: we set the alarm for when to get up; we organize our lunchtime, work schedules, & dinner dates.  We might even book medical appointments, play dates, time at the gym, or how we think we'll spend our "free time."  But, in the end, we really can't control any of it.  It's like the illusion of living on "solid ground."  Most days we believe we are standing firmly on solid ground.  So much so, we never even question the fact the ground beneath our feet might not be solid at all.  Then an unexpected earthquake reminds us the ground beneath our feet can move at any time.  The illusion of security is shattered.

Some days can be like that too.  No matter how much we plan, the unexpected is always waiting to throw a Divine monkey-wrench into our best laid plans.  Designed to take us on unwanted journey of growth, these life-shakers like earthquakes leave us feeling uncomfortable.  The reminder that we aren't in full control makes us uneasy.  For some, the thought of not being in control is a relief.  They relish the idea that they are not ultimately responsible for how their life turned out.  Others are undone by the fact, life is out of their control.   Me, I'm somewhere in the middle.

---

---

A man's heart plans his way,
But YAHWEH directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

---

When I was younger, I thought life was going the direction I wanted to go.  But circumstances kept altering the course I originally plotted.  At 18 years old, I was pursuing veterinary medicine in college and hoped to one day establish a nonprofit business that specialized in training service dogs.  I wasn't really worried about my relationship with God. I thought He and I were okay.  I knew He was God and I was not and would talk to Him from time to time when I needed help.  But I had no idea that God wanted so much more for our relationship. 

And so my first course correction happened...