I was reminded recently of something Joni Eareckson Tada and I have in common: Field Hockey. We both played the sport in high school and we actually played the same position: Center Forward.
Joni and I share something else in common though . . . something a lot of people have in common: Life did not end up the way we’d planned.
In my case, I hadn’t planned on being a divorced, single mom of three. In Joni’s case, living out her life in a wheelchair was not what she was planning just two weeks after her high school graduation.
As Joni shares,
“The other day I was cleaning out an old drawer of photos and I came across a few precious ones; they were photos of me when I was in high school and on my feet. The diving accident in which I broke neck happened only a couple of weeks after graduation, so these perhaps were the last few that were taken of me when I was still able to walk and run and use my hands.
But for as many sweet and heartwarming feelings as that photograph brought to the surface, believe me; I had no regrets – absolutely none. In fact, winnowing through those photos was a great opportunity to test how far I’ve come, what I’ve learned and if my present life in my wheelchair is as, if not more satisfying than high school days on my feet. And you know what? I’m more than just satisfied. Believe me, God’s plan for my life in this wheelchair – it was far more meaningful, far deeper, far more joyful and peaceful, and far more fulfilling than anything I ever dreamed about when I was on that hockey field or graduating off that stage, or packing up to hear to college that fall.”
Being reminded that God’s plans are always better than our plans, is of great encouragement to our hearts. And, as Joni reminds listeners,
“It’s like Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
So, here’s to:
- Resting in knowing His plans are better when life isn’t working out the way we planned.
- The Lord directing our steps to a more meaningful, far deeper, far more joyful and peaceful life.
(By the way, check out the picture of Joni playing field hockey at the Joni and Friends Radio Page and, be sure to leave a comment!)
