Knit One Purl One . . . The "Perfect" Plan

"I have one life and one chance to make it count for something . . . I'm free to choose what that something is, and the something I've chosen is my faith. Now, my faith goes beyond theology and religion and requires  considerable work and effort. My faith demands -- this is not optional -- my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference." 
~ Jimmy Carter

Just over a week ago, I pulled out my knitting needles excited about the prospects of weaving this hobby back into my life. The needles had set dormant for many years without even a hint of a stitch coming together. The first stop in getting started was picking out the yarn, and the motivational seed was planted; I was ready to get those needles twisting. With Christmas less than three months away, my mind was already planning all the gifts I could knit. I had the materials, the plan was in place, and I was willing and able to accomplish the goal. It all seemed like a simple plan to carry out.

Each day I knitted for two to three hours in the evening. Watching the beauty of the variegated yarn come together row after row brought a sense of accomplishment and joy within me. But, then, it happened. It came like a thief in the night. This new-founded joy was aggravating the joints in my fingers and right elbow. The pain had become difficult to manage, and now I sit wondering how long I can go on before either the pain subsides or the pain becomes  more intense disabling me from knitting a single stitch. How could this be happening? After all, I did everything right, or so I thought. I had my plans in place. I could already see the family gathered at Christmas with everyone opening their gifts, made with love especially for each of them. It seemed like the perfect plan!

Last night, as I laid in bed praying for those in need, I found myself whining to God about the pain in my joints and how this could ruin everything I had planned. But, as I pondered the disappointment,  I thought about the quote above from Jimmy Carter. You see sometimes we want so much to do everything we can, but in reality we have these stumbling blocks of illness, grief, sadness, sins, anxiety, etc. that inhibit us from doing everything we wish we could to please God and please others. It was as if God was sending a message right back to me during my prayers. I felt reminded from God that He isn't expecting perfection from any of us, but only the very best we can give each day. And, even on those days when we fail to give our best, we are covered in His grace and forgiveness. Now, that is a plan that seems much more workable.

In Romans 5:3 we read, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance." I have always had a little problem with the word, "rejoice" in that Bible verse. After all, most of us don't have a party to celebrate what doesn't go the way we planned in life. But, maybe, we can all rejoice knowing that in developing endurance and resilience when things don't go as planned, we are growing closer to God. We are learning to lean on Him at all times and in all seasons of our lives. That is definitely something to "rejoice" about.

So, as you go about your planning, remember that even when the threads of our lives become unraveled, as long as we do what we can when we can, God celebrates with us too. Meanwhile, I will knit what I can, when I can, and rest assured that regardless of how the plan turns out, I gave my best. And, that is truly what counts. 

Heavenly Father,

As we make plans in our lives, please guide us with your wisdom and grace. Let us rejoice in knowing that you delight in our existence and cover us with grace and forgiveness at all times.

Amen