Make plans and God laughs.
I’ve heard this a lot in my life. Shoot, I’ve said it a lot in my life. I’m pretty sure I’ve lived it a lot in my life too.
I’ve always been a planner. I like having a plan, a schedule. I like knowing what’s coming. What’s on the agenda and what’s next.
And goodness knows I’ve had lots of plans. Big plans. Life plans. Business plans. Family plans.
I knew in middle school what I wanted to be when I grew up. And that was my sole focus through high school and college. I rushed my way through both so I could finally get into the “real world” and start my career.
I was 22 when I started working for the federal government as a criminal investigator. It was my dream. I was ecstatic to have made my way to exactly where I wanted to be.
Next was meeting the man of my dreams and starting a family. That had to happen next, right? That was the plan.
Except it wasn’t. Not at all. I went through far too many go nowhere relationships. And as time went on, the love and excitement for my investigator job faded away.
I tried my best to stay away from work as much as I could. I used all my leave and focused on building my own business. I became a health coach while I still worked for the government, and started using essential oils.
And with the help of my then husband (which didn’t happen until mid-30s and no babies), I left my government job right before my 12 year anniversary. I couldn’t stay another day.
I’m thankful for this lack of plan follow through on God’s part because this is how I found CrossFit coaching. He finally led me to where I was meant to be.
I’m also thankful my first husband was just that… my first. That ended very drastically and certainly not as part of my plan. I was only going to get married once. That was MY plan. But God knew.
And when Nick and I met, it was clear we were meant to be together. We started dating in April and were married in December of the same year. There was no doubt on either of our parts.
One of our dreams was to own a gym and create a life we didn’t want to run away from. That happened far sooner than we both thought, which was definitely a change in our lives. And soon after, we found out we were pregnant with our miracle baby.
So many plans that fell through. Some for the better, some where we had no idea if it was good or bad. Including the one we’re currently living in. We didn’t anticipate Nick’s mom passing away so suddenly. Of course, you never do.
It’s been a rough 6.5 months. One of ever changing plans and schedules. Not much ever goes to plan. Seriously. It seems like something always changes.
And I woke up this past weekend truly questioning why we’re where we are. This wasn’t part of our plan. Our whole life was uprooted overnight. And I’m not sure it’s been the same since.
I did a lot of soul searching and praying because I was in a bad place. This wasn’t part of our plan. Not even in the slightest.
But… and it’s a huge but… this is where God has placed us. This is where we’re needed. This is part of the story… our story.
And I don’t know why. I may never know. But it’s where we are. And instead of fighting it, questioning it, wondering why, I have to embrace it.
So here’s to embracing it. And following where God is leading us.
I hope you have an amazing week. And I pray your plans always lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.
With love,
Whitney
