Proverbs 16: ⁹ The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps. 

I suppose there are a number of ways one can interpret this verse from Proverbs. This morning I hear it akin to the old saying, “Life’s what happens while you’re making other plans”. My life has turned out much differently than I imagined as a young adult. This is not a bad thing, just a bit of a surprise.

Our two daughters both graduated from college this month which is a cause for celebration. As each of them explores their particular career paths, with paths aligned with their undergraduate degrees, I wonder where the Lord will take them. I personally graduated 30 years ago with a degree in business marketing. Three years later I was in seminary studying theology and preparing to become an ordained pastor.

I never saw that coming.

I suspect something similar may happen with one of our daughters, or perhaps our son who has his degree in accounting and is currently working in finance. You never know where the Lord may direct your steps, despite whatever plans you may have made. I believe the encouragement of the writer of proverbs is to trust in the Lord’s direction rather than our own plans.

Lord there is no doubt that life is full of surprises, often taking us in directions very different than what we have in mind. Give us grace to discern where you are leading, and give us courage to trust your direction – even when it means our dreams may never be fulfilled. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.