God's Plans are Better

When I graduated from college in 2001, I had two major goals. 1: Start teaching. 2: Marry Mr. Wonderful (okay, his name is really Joey Seiber, but he's my Mr. Wonderful). We had it all planned out. I started teaching in August and the wedding was in December. We had everything else planned out too. A cute little townhouse, teaching for a few years, enjoy being married at least 5 years before starting a family . . . Of course these were our plans. However, in January I wasn't feeling very well and by February I was feeling terrible. Of course, this isn't uncommon your first year teaching so I ignored it and was busily making plans for the following school year. A sweet friend of ours (who also happened to be a doctor) suggested we take a pregnancy test. We politely informed him that we couldn't possibly be pregnant and I even took the test to make him feel better. And it was . . . negative, of course (what do doctors know anyway). Still, I wasn't feeling any better so after my sweet husband threatened me with a doctor's appointment, I took the test again. It turns out doctors can be very perceptive at times. Yes, we were pregnant. I wanted to cry. It had been my dream for years to teach and I loved my class, our school, and my students. I was so disappointed that my plans for the upcoming school year (and many more thereafter) were not going to turn out the way I wanted them to.

It didn't take long for me to get used to the idea of being a mommy. Still, I was more than a little apprehensive. I knew, for sure, we would starve to death on a single income. Still, even with the months and months of sickness, the complete reversal of all of our plans, and a lot of apprehension, God gave us peace and directed our paths in every way. I still remember the week after we found out that we were expecting Josh; we hadn't told our church family yet. I was scheduled to play offertory. I chose Because He Lives because of these special words.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby

And feel the love and joy he brings

But greater still

The calm assurance

This child can face uncertain days

Because He lives

Because He lives

I can face tomorrow

Because He lives

All fear is gone

Because I know

Who holds the future

And life is worth the living

Just because He lives

Every time I hear that song, I still think of my precious Joshua. Life still seems uncertain some days and God still changes our plans occassionally. Still, I've learned through it alll that His plans are better than our own and 'life is worth the living just because He lives.'