2017, It’s not what I imagined!

I am a visual learner, which means, I have to see it to understand it.  I learn best with pictures, handouts, and object lessons ect.  For me, the phrase “A picture is like a thousand words” is literal.

When I plan, I see what I want to happen, vividly, and then I transfer that picture in word form to paper. Honestly, when my vision does not align with reality, it hits me hard.  It shakes my foundation for a minute and causes me to sit my behind down somewhere to regroup.

In December, as we approached the New Year, we all had a picture of what 2017 would look like.  What would we do?  Where would we go? With whom would we spend our time?

It is amazing how we set goals and see ourselves as if it has already transpired.  If we set a goal to lose ten pounds, we see ourselves slimmer.  I think you get the idea.

Unfortunately, our ways are not God ways. He does not consult us before he moves.  Go figure!

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

For example, this year alone, I have reassigned job tasks at work due to a team member getting a new job.  I have comforted friends who have lost loved ones, visited the homeless, and prayed with a friend battling cancer.  Let us not discuss our exposure to the negativity connected to the current events in our nation.

None of these things was in my picturesque vision of this year.

Did I pray for direction? Yes!  Were my plans consistent with my desire to please God? Yes!  I know that those goals I envisioned in December are in the will of God.  I want to complete my bachelor’s degree this semester. (Pray for me!)  I have a couple of retreats to plan. I want to be consistent with blogging and submit some articles to a few magazines.

The route to achievement is not void of detours!

God’s ways are higher than my ways.  He has an aerial view of my year.  My perspective is limited.  At times, I have tunnel vision.  I see what I want to see.  Especially as it relates to my desires.  However, I cannot see around the corner.  The other side of the mountain is not within my view.

My heavenly father can see all.  Theologians call him Omnipresent.  In laymen’s terms, he is everywhere at the same time. His scope of vision is phenomenal.  He sees not only our past and present, but he sees our future and he has a plan for our life.

For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 AMP

Look at where we are now, on this day in January 2017. It would be easy to become discouraged.  There are steps that we have not taken toward our goals.  Some of our plans have completed fallen off our radar.  Sadly, many of us have experienced unwelcomed detours.

Knowing the God of the universe is concerned about us and what concerns us is comforting!

Remember, God cares!  He is actively involved in our lives.  He is there, even in the detours, the failures and the missteps.

If, like me you have drug your feet in attacking your goals, it is not too late.  If situations and circumstances have interrupted your progress, do not fret. Your future, my future is ahead.

NOW WHAT?

1. Start now! Get back up and do it! Give it your best effort!

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;          Colossians 3:23

2. Seek directions from the one true navigator. Remember he has an aerial view of your year.

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:23-24

3. Never give up! Your guarantee to failure is to quit. Under the worse possible circumstances, our Savior did not give up.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ephesians 6:10

And, let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

God will empower us to do what he has set our hands to do.  Our part is to start again.  Let him lead the way and never ever give up.  I’ll see you at the finish line!