He's got this one

For a planner and an organizer like me, change is never easy.  I like to think ahead, consider my options, and set my mind on what path I will take.  But life doesn’t always follow my plans.

There has been a lot of change in my life recently.  Not that it’s all bad – in fact, much of it is really very good!  Having a baby, going on maternity leave, personal growth, dreaming about the future – all great things.  But that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

The biggest change was making the decision to not return to work once my maternity leave ends.  It was a very difficult decision.  I loved my job and my coworkers were really great to work with.  My boss gave me lots of encouragement and always let me know how much I was valued there.  At the same time, my husband and I could not see a way that I could return without compromising choices we had made for our family.  And during my pregnancy and first months postpartum, I had encountered a whole new world of excitement.  But it would involve a lot of change.

The challenge with change is that it usually involves a transition from the familiar to the uncertain.  Even if the status quo isn’t ideal, at least you know how it works.  It’s safe.  Change brings unpredictability, a nerve-wracking set of “what-ifs”.  There’s no guarantee the new thing will work out.

At this point, my mind reels with questions about my ability, my motives, my true feelings.  Do I know what I’m getting myself into?  Am I just kidding myself?  How irresponsible am I, throwing away a perfectly good thing for something that may not even work?  And how ungrateful – choosing to end something that I once called a God-given miracle!

My parents have a small plaque in their guest bathroom that greets me each time I visit.  It always serves as a nice reminder but during my most recent stay, it shouted its message loud and clear:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Breathe.  Ok, God’s got this one.  He’s seen this coming all along and nothing surprises Him.  He knows all the little intricate details and He orchestrates them all together for His purposes.  Moreover, His purposes are for good.  He wishes to prosper me, not to harm me. 

While He may gift me with a wonderful job and show His mighty hand in bringing me to it, the gift may only be for a time.  It may be one of many rest stops along the pathway He has for me.  And this next part of the journey will bring its own joys.

So as I take this leap into the unknown, I cling to the words of the Lord, knowing that whatever may happen, He’s got this one.