Spirit Led

I remember the big plans I had a few years ago between Christmas and New Year’s. I was going to finish my projects and plan my New Year’s goals. My holiday baking was done. My children were occupied with their gifts. I had lots of easy meals, so my days wouldn’t slip away with cooking and cleaning. I had it all planned. That was until a sudden fever and body chills, followed by other misery, laid me in bed for five days. A full, miserable five days. At first, I was angry that my plans were ruined, then I wondered if I’d even recover in time for the end of my time off and our New Year’s Eve party. As the days passed, I became increasingly disappointed. However, something good and rare happened once I succumbed to the pause. I realized it's not about me. That I could let go of my so-called perfect plans, and actually be Spirit-led.

The push within stopped and was replaced with patience. It wasn’t all about my agenda anymore; now I prayed for God’s will. I also began to really miss my family as I listened to them from a distance. I desperately wanted to scoop up my little guy and kiss him. Relationships are more important than all our best-laid plans. “Many are the plans in the mind of man, but it’s the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21) One of the deeper insights I gained from this time, which we don’t generally think about, is why he allows us to be sick. For me, this time helped me to think heavenly thoughts. When God pauses our lives, even for a few days, we have the opportunity to recognize that worldly things really don’t matter. Furthermore, for the children of God, there will be an ultimate end to all our suffering. Not just physical sickness, but to all of life’s heartbreaks.

When God leads and we follow his path, we will be focused on things above. His way’s better.