Taking a class in the local community college meant I was bound to meet with someone I knew when he or she was a baby. Today was the day. I was walking to the cafeteria to buy an overpriced water bottle – not that I wanted an overpriced water bottle, but I knew they would be priced that way and I had no other choice since I’m sick and I’m parched – when we saw each other.
I said a pathetic hello, while he exclaimed in a happy surprise, “What are you doing here?”
We caught up a bit. He reminds me of my brother. He knows where his life is at and he’s got his plans. It’s exciting to be around young people who are full of life, plans, exuberance, and hope. I think seeing me where they are – in their sitz im laben (current situation in life), as my college professor would say – is like seeing your teacher outside of class. Granted, the young man I saw today was my Sunday school student over 10 years ago.
What am I doing here?
“I’m taking night classes,” was my quick reply. It’s true enough.
“I”m taking a business class because I started a business,” is also true enough.
“I’m also one class away from an AA in Psychology,” is true too.
But what am I really doing here?
I’m here because life doesn’t always turn out the way you planned.
I didn’t say that because I didn’t want to burst his bubble. I don’t say that to the other young people I know either. Life would do that to them sooner or later.
I get these moments, though, that are the right moments to offer somber advice. To tell my story of plans going amiss, of life beating you up, and of where God fits in all of it. I love those moments, because I get to encourage them to get back up and keep going. I get to share what God has taught me and continues to teach me.
God is always with you.
I think we all know that the plans we make don’t always turn out the way we want them to, but when you’re in college and the plans you make affect the rest of your life, it matters that they turn out the way you want them to. Plus, it’s hammered into every student that following The Plan would ensure a bright future. A job after college. A career you love.
We learn that if you keep your nose clean and follow The Plan, everything will be alright. It doesn’t always work that way, but it doesn’t mean it’s the end. It doesn’t mean God abandoned you. It doesn’t mean failure. It doesn’t mean you made a mistake or followed the wrong path.
God shows us enough of His plans to bring us where He wants us to be. He allows enough of His plans to become our plans so we move forward in the right direction. When we get to a certain point, God will reveal a little bit more of His plans.
God has an entire map, while we only have bits and pieces. We get so excited over the bits and pieces that it’s devastating to hit dead ends and road blocks. But those dead ends and road blocks only mean God is about to reveal a little bit more of His plans. We’re about to get another piece of the map, and that’s exciting!
Linking up today with Holley’s Coffee for Your Heart.
