"We like things to go smoothly and as planned. Very often unexpected things intervene, and our plans go awry. We think we've got "problems." There is another level at which everything that happens is being engineered. "God has no problems," Corrie ten Boom said, "only plans." When ours are interrupted, his are not. His plans are proceeding exactly as scheduled, moving us always (including those minutes or hours or years which seem most useless or wasted or unendurable) "toward the goal of true maturity" (Rom 12:2 JBP). Believe God. Turn the interruptions over to Him. He is at the controls." Interrupted Plans by Elisabeth Elliot

Our plans to go to Indy were interrupted. I trust that it's God's plan, but I hadn't thought much about the actual interruption being for our maturation until lately. Can we wait patiently? Can we let God get rid of all temptation to be bitter? Can we continue on where we are when our hearts are somewhere else?

Today I have been fantasizing about gardens. It's about this time every year that I get the bug. I want to buy car trunk-fulls of plants, plan the perfect placement, get out there and get my hands in the dirt, weed, water, prune, mulch, and take daily tours to see the work progressing. I love everything about it - except for when there is a problem. I am very discouraged by signs of disease on my roses, poor performers, slow growth, insect damage... I dislike figuring out the cause and I dislike trying to figure out how to fix it. In other words, I like to do the fun work, but not the damage control. I love it when I can plant something and have it thrive immediately - especially when I don't even have to water it. I get out there and weed when I get an itch or am on a long phone conversation. I get out there and water if I see signs of wilting. But finding out what bug did this, or what spray I need to get, or what type of soil/sun requirements this plant is not getting... Ug. That's too frustrating.

I don't know how You do it, God...

WOW! So what an unusual and unexpected interruption to my prayer! Just as I finished typing that last sentence, Michael called to say he got the offer! WOW! We are waiting for more information about the actual details of the offer, but what a quick and encouraging update that was, Father!

Thank you for Your sweetness. Thank You for the courage to step out in faith and for the affirmations You've been giving us all along the way. Your kindness and goodness is such a refreshing spring that is always new. Settle my racing heart and let the appropriate emotions wash over me through Your Spirit. Can I get excited? Should I remain reserved? What do You have for me, Lord? I want to think and feel exactly what You are thinking and feeling IN ME, Jesus. I love You! YAY! I praise You that You are at the controls of the Universe and the controls of my life.