Last month we surprised Abby and Zoe with a trip to Disneyland. As the trip approached, we told the girls we were flying to Seattle for a day. But as I packed, Abby started to ask questions. “Mom, why are we packing so much?” and “Why are we bringing swim suits?”
But once the big surprise was revealed, Abby began understanding all the strange details better. Periodically, as we were walking thru Disneyland, Abby would blurt out, “Oh, that’s why you did that!”
I often feel the same way about God’s plans for me. I don’t know why the strange details in my life happen, but many times I see His provisions for me in hindsight.
I have been reflecting on this especially as we are moving to a new home in a few short weeks. As you may remember, two years ago we struggled to sell our Tacoma house and find a rental home here in Pullman. I wanted to ask God “Why?” about a lot of things at that point. But then He surprised us with a big beautiful house in the country - bigger than we imagined, for less than we ever thought possible. What could have been a very temporary arrangement (staging the house while it stayed on the market), was our home for over a year and a half! It has been a beautiful place to rest and recover after a somewhat difficult move.
And His surprises don’t end there! He has timed this upcoming move beautifully too. Just a month ago, Chad and I were talking about how we were looking forward to moving closer to town when the time came. We were not only ready emotionally, but financially too: We were just days away from buying a 2nd car, when this house sold. Perfect timing for us to redirect our “car money” into a down payment for a house.
God is good. All the time. I just don’t always see it until after His plans have been revealed.
“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
