God's plan vs. our plan

 A few months ago, had you asked me what my life and schedule would look like in August, I would probably have responded, "exhausting". Now that it's here, it's a different story. When I looked at the calendar in May, I could not have foreseen the changes that would come in life. I did not foresee that the conferences I originally planned to go to this summer to make me a better classroom teacher, would fall through. I did not foresee that there would be less interest than I expected in a Music Camp, and connected with a few other things that took up my time, it didn't happen. I did not foresee that for many reasons, I would not be doing any classroom teaching. Finally, I did not foresee the events that led up to us changing preschools for our 4 year old, Ella, nor having both daughters in childcare, nor my wife being a part-time office assistant at our church's childcare. But God did.

 Isn't that amazing? In the midst of the chaos and tumult, God is there, seeing something bigger than we ever could. Being a dad has given me a slight glimpse into this interplay. There have been times when Ella, who for whatever reason, is overtired, but wants to stay up, is told no, it's time for bed. Tears, meltdown and 4 year old girl drama ensue. Now, I could explain to her the reasons why she needs to go to sleep, but she won't understand. So, she is told to go to sleep, the meltdown, drama and tears ensue, and sleep inevitably happens. God could explain to us why things are going on, but we wouldn't understand. I've often found myself asking, 'God, why are you doing this?", almost expecting an answer. Instead, I know that I should be saying, "God, I trust Your will, not mine."

 This week begins a new chapter in the life of my family. There's lots of anticipation, lots of praying on my part. This week starts our new "normal". I'll be in my regular schedule of duties, the girls will be in childcare Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and we'll see how all of the puzzle pieces fit. I know that in the midst of the new kids and teachers my girls will be introduced to, there will be challenges. But, my prayer for this week is: "God, I trust Your will, not mine." It is my prayer for them, for me, and others around me.