Proverbs 19:21 You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

Dear God, ain’t this truth? It’s foolish not to make plans, but holding them loosely is a very good idea because I have no idea what you are planning. 

I think one of the big things that we forget to factor in is that we never plan for negative things to happen, but you sometimes need to allow negative things for either our good or the good of someone else. For example, I would never have wanted the miscarriage that we experienced (and I still don’t know what all was involved in why you allowed that), but the pain of that event changed my wife and me forever. It made us more humble and grateful parents when our children were born. It made us more sensitive and loving when we hear of others who experience the same thing. You redeemed the pain and made us better people. 

Father, help me to hold my plans loosely. I certainly have all kinds of things that I hope and wish for, but I also know enough to know that I do not know the plans you have for me, my family, my community, and my world. I guess my real prayer is that you simply use me and help me to not let my own plans get in the way of your plans. 

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen