Planning

I have been thinking a lot about planning lately. I am a planner. I always have been. However, my adult life has not gone exactly as planned. I planned to go to college (check), be a teacher (check), get married (check), have kids (check), and settle down and raise a family. To me, that meant putting down roots somewhere. Turns out, that part was not what was in store for me. If I’m honest, I have let bitterness and resentment creep in at times. If I’m even more honest, I have often let it stay for far too long.

I know I am not alone in that. We have all experienced unmet expectations at various times in our lives. But now, we are living in one big, collective unmet expectation. Planning sounds like a bad word.

So I want to be clear, that as I share our homeschool plans, I do it with somewhat of a heavy heart. I know that homeschooling is not for everyone. I know that nothing feels like the right answer. I know that if you do choose homeschooling in this season, there might be grieving that goes along with that choice. Resentment, even?

My prayer for each person that reads this, is that God will give you clarity and peace as you make a choice for your children this school year.

And if I may encourage you a little with what God says about our plans?

“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 your paths straight.” Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ NASB

“The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs‬ ‭16:9‬ NASB

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand.” Proverbs‬ ‭19:21‬ NASB

Lean in to where He is leading you. Trust Him. He will guide your way.

I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out— plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 MSG

I am (slowly) learning that my plans were not always the best for me or the people I love. I am learning that trusting the Lord’s plans for my life is a much sweeter place to live. And I am learning to count the blessings along the way.