“Indeed, I took all this to heart and explained it all: The righteous, the wise, and their works are in God’s hands. People don’t know whether to expect love or hate. Everything lies ahead of them.” (Ecclesiastes 9:1)

If you were leaving for a trip this weekend, you would plan for it. The question would then be when you would plan for it.

I think everyone falls into one of three groups:

1. The first group stopped reading this devotion once they saw that the trip is this weekend and began planning the trip. They’ll come back when the trip is planned.
2. The second group will plan it this week, since the trip isn’t until this weekend.
3. The third group will plan it during the trip.

Is there a right or wrong way? Not really. Everyone is different. We don’t know what will happen on the trip, so some adjustments are needed. But we actually need to get to the destination, so some up-front planning is needed as well.

For a while, my personal schedule was very structured. I started and ended work at the same time and usually assisted with the same family activity each night of the week. The big change each week was which kid I was caring for on Tuesday nights.

Now, things are changing quite a bit. Our son can drive and no longer attends Boy Scouts as often now that he has finished his Eagle Scout rank. I have to travel for work sometimes. My father is in a nursing home, and I visit him some evenings. And we all know that traffic has gotten much worse in Lexington.

It was easy for me to think I was in control of my schedule. But I was never in control at all. I had developed a routine around my family and their needs. I now have to adjust more often.

We can make all sorts of plans and schedules. But God is in control.

“A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

By Jason Grace
Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have been active members at Immanuel for over 23 years. His service includes roles in the deacon ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.