The birds are scarce this morning, I heard them singing when I woke. Maybe they’re sleeping in, tired from singing arias all night. The day is beautiful, bright yellow sunshine, fluffy grey, white and aqua clouds floating across the blue sky canvas. Haven’t seen my cloudless sulphur butterfly friend. As the morning wanes, Old Man Winter blows a cool breeze, pinging the wind chimes, pushing the clouds together, overcasting the sky in cigar smoke grey. I sat in the swing till late afternoon enjoying the songbirds and the squirrels.

Today’s quote in my book reads, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react that matters,” Epictetus. An old Yiddish proverb says, “We plan, God laughs.” Been thinking about God laughing. He gave us the gift of laughter so he must have laughter in heaven. But I know God enjoys laughter in his heart as he watches his creations bumble and fumble through life. I know he has a sense of humor, too.

God doesn’t laugh at us when our plans go astray, he just guides us to the new plan he’s put in place. He doesn’t abandon us when things fall apart. Life happens, life is unpredictable and we can let it wash over us and knock us down or we can face the storms holding hands with God. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Even when our plans align unexpected events occur that alter our path. If we are committed to God‘s path for our lives we surrender to him making it easier to be flexible in navigating the twists and turns on our journeys. We learn from our life experiences that joys and sorrows are natural parts of the flow of life. Rudyard Kipling wrote in his poem, If, “If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two imposters just the same…You are a better man than most.”

Jesus says, “Rise, do not be afraid.” When your path doesn’t lead you where you want to go, remember God is in control. Pray when the path is rocky and reach for God’s steadying hands. God is always involved in our plans. Scripture in Proverbs states, “The plans of the heart belong to man. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” When life changes our plans we are blessed down a new path with God’s grace.

“God’s plan is always the best. Sometimes the process is painful and hard. But don’t forget that when God is silent, He is doing something good for you.” — Unknown