Day 18: Parenting Wisdom from Proverbs

“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 NLT)

I had the perfect day planned out. However, when I awoke, I heard the distant sound of rain against the house. Peering outside, I saw the clouds were dark and gloomy. Watching the rain gather on the street, I felt as though my plans for the day were swirling away with them. Gone was my plan of our adventure.

Have you ever had this happen? In an effort to be intentional, you make a plan only to see your plans become obsolete?

Later that evening, I sat on the couch, and my husband asked how the day was. I about laughed to myself. You see, I had big plans for the day. Plans to go out and explore. However, due to the rain we stayed home. What I thought was going to be a ruined day ended up being a glorious day.

Nothing extravagant happened. We played Legos, the kids colored while I folded laundry, we laughed as they put on a puppet show, and the kids all giggled under the sheets of a tent as they had popcorn and watched a movie.

“It was a really good and unexpected day,” I said, and I silently thanked God for the gift of a day at home. 

Leading up to this day, we had been on the go constantly. I never even realized we needed a slow day, but God saw and knew.

There is nothing wrong in making plans; I will forever be a planner. The goal is to make the plans and then hold them with loose hands, willing to let God direct and lead as needed. I will forever remember and cherish our rainy day at home. It was a gift that was needed. A gift that God saw I needed. Always be open to the change of plans, because you never know what gifts may come in the unexpected moments.

-Keri