Man's Plans

This week I was reminded how rapidly life can change.  Wednesday evening we took our son, Alex, to the ER for severe abdominal pain and a high fever.  He ended having surgery for a bad case of appendicitis.  We have been at the hospital ever since.  He turned a corner for the better last night, and we have seen steady improvement today.  We are hopeful that he will go home tomorrow.

I had plans for this week, although now I can't really even seem to remember what they were.  They were insignificant in light of the present circumstance.  I had plans for next week too.  My husband and I were looking forward to a few days away to attend a convention at the college we graduated from, but now we need to stay home.  The children had plans as well.  They were counting on "an early spring break" from school.  Everything changed so quickly.

Image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.  Prov. 19:21

I don't know what the Lord's purpose is in this, nor do I believe he caused it.  But I do believe he used it.  

I know I've learned a few things.  

• It hurts to watch my child suffer.  It's hard to fathom how our Heavenly Father could willingly send His Son to suffer for me. 
• I'm grateful for medical intervention.  It was such a relief to see the pain medications take effect for Alex.  It is a blessing to live in a time when a ruptured appendix can be cared for. 
• I am loved by God's family.  Phone calls, visits, cards, gifts, meals, prayers, and loving messages were showered on us.
• God can use something seemingly bad to shine his love to others.   There were opportunities to witness to staff as out of curiosity they asked questions about our somewhat unusual family.  

Something I noticed through this whole ordeal was that I had songs running through my head.  This morning I realized they were always praise songs. 

"Let there be glory and honor and praises,

Glory and honor to Jesus.

Glory. 

Honor.  

Glory and honor to Him."

No these were not my plans, but I can praise God whose purpose will prevail.

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