An Unplanned Camping Trip

When I was a child we often went camping as a family. We had a big tent and all the gear. We had cots to sleep on and cooking pots for the fire. Camping was always fun for the whole family. I remember an occasion when such a trip was planned, but the plans got cancelled. I can’t remember to this day why the plans changed, but I remember my disappointment. To make matters worse, so I thought at the time, my parents suggested we put the tent up in the backyard and invite friends from the neighborhood. I couldn’t imagine that would be anything compared to our usal camping trip, but we made the invites anyway.

Friends came. My mom gave us hotdogs and popcorn. My sister and I, along with several friends were in the tent. We giggled until the early hours. I remember being greatly entertained when two sisters began to argue. Their hot exchange took a most amusing turn when their words were spit out in French, a language they had learned from their French mother. When they realized they were the source of our fascination, they began to laugh. Soon we were all in fits of more giggles. The whole night was a wonderful, unplanned adventure. My parents, caring about our disappointment, had come up with a fantastic plan.

If our earthly parents, or friends, or colleagues can make good plans, how much better does our Heavenly Father make them? I love the truth of Proverbs 16:9, We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps (NLT). It’s so easy to fret when our plans go awry. Let us remember, the next time disappointment or even fear creeps into our hearts with unwanted plans, God is never surprised. He is never left fretting. He is the One in control. He is the One who brings blessings in the midst of our ever-changing worlds. We may plan, but the perfect, final touches are His own doing.

Because of his immeasurable love for us, He jumps into our paths, making adjustments as needed, and all according to His loving and perfect plans for our lives. Oh, how He loves you and me.