Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The Best of Intentions

Man makes plans in his heart, but God directs his feet.

A friend said that to me the other day, and I loved it.

He was talking about himself. He had recently been fired from his job, but the date of his departure hadn’t been settled. His replacement was to come Nov. 1. Then he was told his replacement maybe not be available until the end of the year. Could he stay until then?

So my friend made some plans that would carry his position through the end of the year. He was well into it. Things were going well. Then he got the call. His replacement would, indeed, be there on Nov. 1. He had to remind himself:

Man makes plans in his heart, but God directs his feet.

I thought of that when I got home that very day to find an e-mail from our prospective renters. Their financial situation had changed and they could not rent our home. They were very sorry.

We were well into the process of finishing up at the land and moving out by their requested move-in date of Dec. 1. We had hired people to speed up the work on our yet-unfinished house. Held a huge garage sale. Sold two cars, furniture, appliances, artwork. Half our stuff was moved. But…

Man makes plans in his heart, but God directs his feet.

So….

We are still moving. Only now the pressure is off. Now, we can move in furniture after we install floors. We can hang clothes in finished closets.

I figure that these folks lit a fire under us. They knocked us off the fence and got us to tend to details we had been putting off.

We will list our house for rent on Craigslist. We will do our part and leave the rest to God.

We will make plans in our hearts, and let God direct our feet.

Speaking of directing my feet, literally… I have another assignment that involves hiking the Grand Canyon! Apparently, God does not want me to get flabby, either spiritually or physically. He continues to exercise my heart, mind and body. For that, I’m grateful. Left to my own devices, I can be pretty easy on myself. I let myself go.

Thanks to those of you who have stuck with me through this time of infrequent postings. I hope to return a visit soon. Honest.

I noticed that since I’ve been away, some new faces have appeared among my “friends and fellow travelers.” So I’d like to offer a heartfelt welcome to the “newcomers.” I look forward to paying you a visit soon.

Until then, take good care.

12 comments:

  1. wow! the Grand Canyon, cool!

    hope ya take your camera :)

    take care!

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  2. So glad to see your post Kathy. Miss ya! Man, I admire you to hike the Grand Canyon. Now that sounds awesome! How long will that take?

    Blessings dear.

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  3. I like that quote. The best laid plans are often not hatched either. Take care and enjoy the canyon.

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  4. You show acceptance in what you can't control. Your new house must be almost finished if all you need to do is finish inside closets and floors. Another Grand Canyon hike will certainly keep you in shape.
    Hubby and I moved about an hour and a half away last weekend. To a very small town. Tomorrow we will be here one week. We are tired and sore and run down and now have colds. But we did it!

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  5. How wonderful to catch up with you and hear your "happies and crappies" (credit to Alateens for that one). I can't imagine the wonder of hiking the GC. The Appalachian Trail is close to us and it is on my bucket list. Safe hiking!

    ♥namaste♥

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  6. It's always good to read your posts! You sound like you'remaking the best of the situation which is a gift of recovery I think.

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  7. glad to see you back...me too...missed you. And hey..I want your job. To hikd the Grand Canyon....wow.

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  8. This is a wonderful reminder (as usual). Glad you are still popping in from time to time.

    Isn't it pretty cold at the canyon this time of year???

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  9. Thank you for this wonderful reminder that things really are in God's hands. We can make all the plans we want but when it comes down to it, God is the one in control. I do think it's good we plan wisely but to always keep in mind that it's subject to change by the one in charge. I love your attitude. Sounds like an exciting hiking assignment...hope that it goes well. Blessings on the packing and moving and I just know that the perfect renters will show up! Happy Sunday. XX

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  10. Wow, grateful to hear from you. Mio of hugs. Started to get worried. Glad to hear you are getting out of the fog. Love from my heart to yours!

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  11. Hi Kathy! Great to hear from you :) I think it's so wonderful when we can find a way to see the positives in situations that are potentially really upsetting. To find ways to be grateful instead of frustrated, controlling and resentful. I needed this reminder today. That anything can be turned around and seen in a better way. Wishing you well always and especially in your upcoming hike and move to your new home! :)

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  12. Updates, no matter how often, hold something that I can learn. My calling is to the Appalachian Trail. I'm 48 and flabby. Faith and footwork are in store for me. Congrats on your new abode.

    ♥namaste♥

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