Firmly Planted

January 1, 2017, who knows what it will bring.  My sweet daughter Bethany bought me my new planner for Christmas.  My planner is expensive, $50 to be exact, but I love it.  It helps me set goals, how I am going to meet those goals, and evaluates my progress.  It was a sacrifice for her but she is always so supportive of my goals and aspirations and understands my need for certain tools.

I have spent a portion of today thinking through my goals for 2017.  It is always a delicate balance between being a planner and letting God have the reins.  I always try to keep moving forward knowing that at any moment I may need to let go or change course.

The sermon today at church struck me.  We are always surprised by trials.  We don't anticipate them, we don't expect them, and we are shocked when they hit.  Why am I surprised?  Why do I sometimes react with, "Did I do something wrong?" or "Why is God not there?"  We know that in this world we will have trials.  We know there will be heartache.  Our job is to be ready when the storms come.  I have had many trials over the years.  Sadly, even though many of those have been tragic, they are common and have been a part of many people's journey.

For 2017 I am changing my focus on a few things.

• Understand that the storms will come.  Don't be surprised by them.
• Be ready for the storms and have my feet firmly planted.
• Keep holding God's hand. 
• Look for ways for any trial to bring others closer to God.
• When the storm runs out of rain, stop, listen and marvel at how God has brought me through the storm.
• Lastly, don't let the storms cloud the days that are sunny.  Yes, we will have trials, but we will also have many, many sunny days ahead.