God Had A Plan

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

~Romans 8:28~

I have always considered this verse to be my life verse. Many things have happened in my life that I could not understand. This verse has always helped me to gain perspective when faced with these situations. There were times such as when Charlie was laid off and I was pregnant with our second child and we had no income or insurance, the time the doctor's told me that I might loose the daughter I carried or that she might have to have blood transfusions in utero, the time when we tried to buy a larger home for our family of five children (we were living in a two bedroom trailer) and were unable to do so, and the list goes on and on. At this point in my life, I can look back at those times and see some of the reasons God allowed them to happen the way they did. Some were to teach us lessons that would help us later on. Some were to just learn to trust Him more and be willing to accept His will, no matter what. I know that I don't know all the reasons for the things that have taken place, but I do believe that He has a reason for everything that happens even though I may not see it at the time. This verse has given me great hope and comfort through the years.

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There are things that have happened in the last couple of weeks that I do not understand. My mom dying unexpectedly the day before my sister was to have cancer surgery, my son and daughter-in-law loosing their baby, all in the same week my new granddaughter was born. But through it all, through all the grief and joy, I know that God has a reason, a plan, and that He will work it for our good.

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This evening, Seth and I went to eat at the Cracker Barrell. While we were there, I was speaking with someone I knew. They were expressing how sorry they were to hear of my mom's death and my sister's surgery the next day. This person said that they didn't understand why they couldn't put the surgery off. I explained that Debbie had talked about having the surgery put off, but we kept telling her that we didn't want her to, that she needed to get the tumor taken care of and then the doctor said it would be a month before they could reschedule it. Dad promised her that we would wait before doing anything about Mom's funeral until she was with us. It was a promise he was prepared to keep no matter what. Debbie had the surgery and it was a week from the day mom had the stroke before we had the funeral. Though in pain, Debbie was able to be there for the funeral and graveside services.

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I really had no idea why things had happened the way they had, so much in one week, so that things were delayed. That is, until later this evening. After leaving the Cracker Barrell, Seth and I went by to see Dad and see how he was doing. While we were talking, Dad said that he didn't think he could have made it through everything if we had had the funeral right away. He said that having everyone around for that week had helped him to accept the fact that Mom was gone. God, in His infinite wisdom, had a plan and He worked it for good. I thank Him for that!

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We have yet to see all that He has done but I believe that one day, we will be able to look back and see so much more. He's still placing the pieces of the puzzle together, but one day we'll see the whole picture, and what a beautiful work it will be!