Plans Committed …Plans Established

In December, 2021, Covid was still rampant in the world. We knew of several friends affected by this devastating virus and our hearts greatly hurt for them as we lifted every one to the Lord in prayer. Suddenly, our family was in the same company. My precious Dad was rushed to the hospital with symptoms of Covid. During that time, nobody could accompany him and even family members were not allowed to visit their loved-one in the hospital if they had Covid. We soon learned that my dad didn’t just have Covid, he had Covid-Pneumonia.

It was extremely difficult for all of us. Our family called Dad but would talk only as long as he felt up to it. I reached out to my mom and my brother as often as I could. Several weeks of this and Dad was declining – all alone in the hospital room.

My mom called one day and let me know the doctor had encouraged the family and my dad to say our goodbyes, as there was nothing more they could do for him. Just then, a fellow staff member at the middle school where I worked came to my office and asked if there was something he could pray about with me. I shared what was happening with my dad and he prayed for him and my family.

The next day my phone rang – it was my mom. I took a deep breath and waited for the words I had been asking the Lord to prepare me for… Surprisingly, what I was hearing was nothing I had expected. Dad had taken a turn for the better and was sitting up in a chair. They were planning to release him from the hospital in two days. We praised God together! I couldn’t wait to find my colleague who had obeyed the Lord to pray with me just the day before and share my testimony of what the Lord had done. Dad came home the next day and continued to improve.

My incredible boss arranged work so I could visit my parents who live in another state. After returning home though, it was obvious to my husband that my heart longed to be more available to them. We prayed and discussed it and made the choice for me to quit my job.

Committing everything to the Lord, we followed through with our decision. The Lord provided and I was able to travel back and forth to be at doctor appointments with both Dad and Mom. I had time to create a PowerPoint with their favorite songs and family pictures to honor and celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. Over the next two years I had the opportunity to laugh, share, cry, and show my gratitude to the two amazing people that loved me and did their best to be the best parents a girl could have.

Was it the right choice? Absolutely! Two years after my decision to leave my career my precious dad finished his race and went to be with the Lord. Three months and two days after saying our final goodbyes to Dad, our beautiful Mom experienced a ruptured aneurysm and passed away into the presence of our beloved God too. I had no idea what our journey would hold when my husband and I made this commitment. BUT GOD …he did!

We committed our plans to the Lord and he established them. I will forever be grateful to God for leading me, and to my husband for encouraging me in this choice. Truly, it was one of the best decisions and experiences of my life. My heart continues to be filled with humble appreciation and reverence to my God.

If you have a choice to make, I invite you to seek the Lord, discuss the matter with trusted people close to you, and as the Lord leads – obey. I can attest that you will have no regrets when you commit everything to God. Trust that he will establish your plans.

Father God, I ask you to make clear your direction for me. Please give those in my world and me wisdom for right choices. I only want to obey you and I do not want to miss what you have for my journey. My life is committed to you, Lord, and I trust you to establish my plans. I thank you and I give you praise. In Jesus’s mighty name I pray, Amen!

Throughout this day talk to God and talk to those in your life about choices you need to make. Seek scripture and pray together so you know you are being led by God. As you do, you and your loved ones will enjoy peace and blessings as you trust him to establish your way. One day, you will look back and understand why God took you on the journey that he did, and you will be eternally grateful.