Going back to school requires preparation. If I'm not ready on that first day, getting into a rhythm seems like a challenge. To get ready, I prep meals for the week, make sure my clothes still fit, set my alarms (get up, go to work, drink water--yep, I even need a reminder to take care of my body when I'm going full speed). I always have plan a and a plan b so I'm prepared.
I pulled out my cooking supplies and grabbed the first bag of sugar from the baking drawer. A little trail of sugar followed the bag's movement. After examining the bag, I noticed a little hole in the bottom. I looked in the bottom of the drawer, and sure enough, each bag of grain had a small puncture. A critter or two had enjoyed a feast at my expense. Well, my plans just changed.
The next four hours involved taking everything out of the cabinets and drawers and cleaning the trails left by a couple of mice who decided to move into my house. I could've been discouraged. I could have been upset. Instead, I decided to be thankful.
Thank you, God, that I found evidence early before more food could be contaminated by my unwelcome guests.
Thank you, God, for the reminder that I have an abundance.
Thank you, God, for giving me this opportunity to pause from other labors and focus on you while I take on this chore.
Do I get derailed? Yep. I love Jesus, but I'm not perfect like Jesus. I'm an unfinished woman, a woman who is still being shaped by my unconditionally loving God. Even our best laid plans can get disrupted, but I know that God is promoting my future. I'm starting my semester on track because I am keeping an attitude of gratitude. I am reminded in Jeremiah 29:11,
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Not getting distracted when my plans are disrupted reminds me that this is only one moment in a grander plan--God's plan. Keeping my eyes on Him, the one who is in control of my future and prosperity, gives me hope.
This week, as I start another semester teaching, I am getting started with an attitude of gratitude...maybe it should be spelled gr-attitude. Share with me--what are you grateful for in this season?
Comments