Want to know something embarrassing? My very first email address was pro1921@juno.com. At first glance, that may sound embarrassing, but let me explain. It referred to Proverbs 19:21, which says: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” In high school I claimed that as my verse.

It was pretty fitting because I learned that just because I plan on something doesn’t mean it will happen. A hard lesson, as I’ve always been a planner. Ever since high school, I’ve learned and re-learned no matter how much you plan, things rarely go according to plan.

I’m often thankful things didn’t go the way I had planned because I’ve seen how God’s plan is better for me. Over the past few months I’ve been reminded of how planning and anticipating that life will look a certain way is often met by a reality that doesn’t match and it has left me leaning on God in new ways.

We were anticipating that my husband would begin an internship at our church this fall and that would change his “job.” All summer we worked to fund raise his salary for the internship and planned that he would quit his part-time job at Home Depot to work for the church while he’s also taking classes.

For the past year and a half, the Home Depot job presented its fair share of challenges, with its retail schedule changing from week-to-week, so we never knew his work schedule more than two weeks out. By early August, it appeared we would not have the full funding raised for him to quit his job at Home Depot and rely solely on a small income from the internship.

A week before the internship was to start, a full-time position opened at Home Depot and it was one of the few roles there with a set weekly schedule. It appealed to Brandon because it was only Monday through Friday and the hours wouldn’t change from week to week.

At first I thought he was crazy to want to work more hours. That would mean balancing four graduate courses, the church internship and a 40 hour/week job? After some consideration, prayer, and a conversation with our pastor, Brandon applied for the full-time position and, by God’s grace, he got it.

Balancing these multiple roles is not what we thought this fall would look like, but we are so grateful for the opportunities that have opened up.

We also had hoped to buy a second car this fall, to alleviate the strain of sharing one car in the suburbs. We looked at a few cars and even considered selling the one car we do own to be able to put two down payments on two older cars. While talking to a friend from church about this idea, she suggested we use their third vehicle that had been sitting un-registered in the driveway for months. After some discussion, we arranged a plan to use their car.

Last week was our first as a two-car couple. I am so grateful for God’s provision of both a job that allows Brandon a consistent schedule from one week to the next, and a car that allows me not to have to go in early or work late based on when I can get a ride. He has blessed us with more than we could have imagined in this season.

Although God’s purpose may not be fully clear to me right now, I find myself trusting Him more with each day. He provided in ways I would not have imagined and I am privileged to be part of His story and look forward to experiencing more of His plan each day.

How has God surprised you with his good and perfect plan lately?