What Would You Choose?
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
Picture Of My Beautiful Mother
I awoke late Thursday morning with plans to write my devotion for today’s Laced With Grace Blog along with some much needed household chores. Instead, the dishes from Wednesday night are still in the sink, the bills I was going to pay are not paid, and my chores are still not done. Guess what? I really don’t care! Does that sound crass?
Yes, Thursday I had plans but the Lord had other plans. Around noon I received a phone call from my mother. As I answered the phone, my mom replied, “Michele, what are you doing? (now without a break waiting for my response she continued), I was out this morning for my foot doctor appointment and the sun was shining and as I came home I thought to myself, ‘Oh, I have bookshelves that need dusting, but they will be there tomorrow but at 87 years old I might not, so I will call Michele and we can take a ride and eat dinner at Cracker Barrel’. So Michele, what do you think, can you be ready in 30 minutes and I will pick you up?”
I thought to myself, ‘Oh she is so good! How can I say no to her after that?’ So I told her to give me an hour because I’m not dressed yet. We had such a lovely drive and afternoon together. Mom shared how she and Chris (my step-father) used to take a drive in the country and then eat out together. When my husband called me after school to tell me that he is coming home, mom interrupted and said, “Tell Jim to meet us at Cracker Barrel and I will treat you two to dinner.” Oh mother now I know why you choose the Cracker Barrel near Jim’s school!
I could have stayed on course with my plans for the day and told my mother another time would be best; but I chose to allow the Lord to determine my steps (Proverbs 16:9); I chose to honor my mother today (Ephesians 6:1-3) and store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21); I chose something better (Luke 10:41-42). I chose to make an old woman happy and lay up memories that will last a lifetime.
This is not the devotion I had planned to write today, but it is what the Lord had planned!
Such a beautiful devotion, that was totally planned by God. Blessings to you, and your dear mom.
I think I would have chosen the same thing — spending time with my mom 🙂 …Love what your mom said about the dust being there tomorrow, but she rather would love to spend time with you.
Thank you for sharing from your heart.
Thankful there are those opportunities.
Blessings, andrea
Love this, sis. I’m so thankful you are there to be able to do things spontaneously with our Mom. I miss you both.
Love you.
Oh Michele,
Girl, I just want to hug your mom. What a beautiful moment and THIS is what real living is in the eyes of our Lord. Rich blessings, indeed. Thank you.
I loved this post and you are soo right. Following the Lord’s plans for your day resulted in nothing but blessings. Wonderful time with your precious mom. What a sweet woman she sounds like. Thanks for sharing this, it really blessed me this morning. Debbie
I love HIS plan. It’s beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Oh how I loved this devotional…and yes,”This is not the devotion I had planned to write today, but it is what the Lord had planned!”…or the plans I had for my day, but they were HIS plans…my word verification was HOPE..how cool is that!
Congrats on being nominated top 100
That sounds like such a great day with your sweet Mom, Michele. I’m so glad you two had the time together and thanks for sharing about it.
Bethany
I wish I had been reminded of this when our girls were growing up. I was so duty oriented. I also regret not spending more time with my Mom while she was alive.
I think our oldest daughter knows what’s important and it isn’t the dust bunnies, it’s her 4 daughters.
Aww… such a sweet devotion. This brought tears to my eyes as it brought happy memories to mind.
Love that beautiful photo of your mom.
This was precious!
Aw, wow, that is beautiful. I’m so glad you took the time out to be with your mom, I’m sure it was well worth it!! 🙂