Where I Didn’t Plan To Be

Where I Didn’t Plan to Be

I’d never been to Arkansas before, but when a lovely woman from Texarkana, a friend of a friend, asked if I would come and speak to her church, I said yes. My trip happened to coincide with a nasty low-pressure system stalled over half the state of Texas, so not far into the drive I found myself stranded a long way from my destination.

I hadn’t planned to spend half a day at a car dealership in Livingston, but that’s where I pulled in when the road was closed. I spent an afternoon with Otis, Danny, and Shannon in the service department (and got two new tires while I waited). Shannon offered me the chips from his sack lunch; Danny found the tires I needed and dispatched a brave driver to pick them up. And Otis called the hotel next door and hooked me up with the last available room in case I had to spend the night—which ultimately, I did.

I never planned to bunk at this lakeside inn. There were crumbs on the telephone, and the carpet in front of the sink squished when I walked on it. The only food available was more chips from a half-empty vending machine. If I hadn’t committed months before to this particular engagement, I might have turned back. But I’d promised, so I went . . . and prayed God would give me something to give them.

But what I really hadn’t planned on was being the recipient of so much kindness at my destination from people I’d never met. A precious team of women whose efficiency and enthusiasm could probably have managed the invasion of a small country before lunch. The generosity of a pastor who offered her study for the few moments of calm I needed before standing up to speak. Hugs from strangers and the laughter and joy and goodness of being in the extended family of God for a few precious hours. I didn’t plan on any of that, but God did.

I should know by now that my plans are subject to change, but his are true and perfect every time. I should count on that, but I don’t always. That’s why it’s good to sometimes find yourself in places where you never planned to be.

The mind of a man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:9, NASB