Detour

“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” This famous line comes from a poem written by Robert Burns.

“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” — Dolly Parton who we sadly lost recently.

Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

I wrote last week about my planning on being on retreat. This annual spiritual practice refreshes my soul, and I was so looking forward to spending quiet time with God.  But detours often happen in life, don’t they?

Several circumstances within my family developed and then intensified. I kept hearing my lamplighter, Julian of Norwich whisper, “All will be well…”. I paused.  I listened. I prayed. And I knew where I needed to be.  Home.  Available. With family.

Disappointed?  You bet. A little self-pity? To be honest more than a little. But I have learned to give myself space and grace. Space in a limited time to feel sorry for myself.  Grace in letting go and moving forward. 

Sometimes 24 hours of “poor me” is enough.  My mama used to remind me it was dark and disturbing for the disciples on Good Friday but look how they felt in three days. This time trick doesn’t work all the time especially with a huge loss but framing my detours with a clock helps most of the time.

So no retreat right now. But I believe this practice is so valuable I will seek out another opportunity in the future. I will intentionally seek some quiet time now, to pray, to listen, to journal. I will watch for joys to blossom in these unexpected days at home.  And I will be grateful for family that we can accompany each other through challenges.

And I know the Lord will always bless our time and lives, no matter how we try to control the details.

What helps you pivot when plans change?