I sat on a bench at Metro Park today enjoying watching people race by on their Ski-Doo’s, in their yachts and sail boats….. I watched young couples walk their puppies, older couples still holding hands, and even watched a young man stand still on a skate board while his pit bull took HIM for a “walk.”
And across the water on the other side I could see Canada, which of course, always reminds me of Dad. But today was an extra clear day, and I could also see the Renaissance Center in Detroit sooo very clearly. You know what that reminded me of? Nothing…… Until today.
Today it reminded me of my trip to see the recruiter who would promise me that I would love being stationed in Panama. It reminded me of never wanting to live in Michigan again, because I really. Hated. Snow. (Still do!)
That’s right – In 1981 I graduated high school and joined the Army. I couldn’t wait to leave. I wanted to SEE THE WORLD! And see the world I did! And MY plans included coming home to “visit” Michigan on leave – Never, of course, to return to “live.”
So as I sat on that bench today staring at the iconic Renaissance Center in Detroit, remembering those “plans” of mine……. all I could think was, “Well….. Here I am.” Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” He truly is sovereign. And He really does get His way.
A friend recently shared with me, “Rita – It is amazing once we realize, we really have very little control, if any, of how things go in life. So don’t waste your time trying to control things that are out of your hands. Instead, control things that ARE in your hands – Like your silverware drawer. You have control over that!”
You know? I think she’s right………
But you know what else? I am surrounded by good people. My sons grew up knowing their grandparents, and were very close to them. They have an aunt and uncle they love, who love them too. I have the very best of friends a girl could pray for. Going through life with the people I get to call my “friends and family”……. Well, turns out life just couldn’t get any grander than this, after all.
It’s amazing what the Lord can remind me of, when I finally decide to just BE STILL ! Today, He reminded me that HE is STILL in charge.
Oh, I’ll probably still make some plans, and He’ll probably still get a kick out of them……. But in the meantime, I think I’ll just go clean my silverware drawer……
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
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