Plans, Patience, and a Spontaneous trip to Portland—God Always Leads in Making us New

                When I woke up yesterday morning, I had my own agenda—rest—sweats, sweets, and movie and reading marathons. I had a “few things” I wanted to get done but for the most part the day stretched before me pretty uneventful. As I finally crawled out of bed—savoring the last few minutes my body could stand before it just had to move—I prayed, God, I want this to be a day of rest—but what does that need to look like? I sleepily scrolled through pinterest and facebook and an event caught my eye.  The author of the book I reviewed in September was going to be in a suburb of Portland at 7:30 pm….hey, it’s only 11—I could totally go. I called upon my dependable travel companion and dear friend Emily—stating that I had “aca-crazy idea….”and by 3pm we were off.

                As Emily drove and I read the first few chapters of Packing Light—I knew that this was what I needed. For some travel is draining; but it is energizing to me. There’s just something freeing and perspective giving about getting away and letting myself let go of my to-do list of homework and errands that can wait. When I looked up from reading, conveniently resting my voice while Emily processed the encouraging challenges Ally artfully weaves through her narrative; I realized that my morning prayer was answered. I had my own plans for a “lazy Saturday” but God knew what I needed. Emily and I chatted about how great it was to be on a spontaneous road trip while reading about Ally’s preparation for her own—and our personal “new things” of short hair and graduate school. The emotions of hesitation, fear, and the underlying “what the heck am I really doing” bubbled up in our own way as we flew down the highway. 

 

Sometimes being spontaneous is just what your soul needs.

 

We arrived at the coffee place in record time—and a half hour early. The café was a beautiful blend of quirky and inviting. After grabbing a chai, Emily and I introduced ourselves to Ally. It was such a wonderful experience to finally meet someone whose journey, writing and faith has influenced my own. Ally and her family were friendly, gracious, and encouraging. A little while later, while the music played, Emily read, I wrote a prayer—            

You lead—sometimes across an ocean, sometimes across state lines, sometimes into a salon. Nevertheless, You lead. Daily. Hourly.

I breathed in the smell of fresh coffee, enjoyed the folksy music, and sighed—grateful for the day’s journey and for ones in the past—visions of faces in Kenya and a flood of emotions. I processed the events of the day—mulled over conversations and the surprise that I actually was in Oregon. Out of my reverie I was encouraged by the fact that my plans and God’s providence collide and interweave in ways I will never understand this side of heaven. He plants and waters the deep longings within me—from days of rest to the rest of my life—He leads in making me new. I can trust Him to provide and lead in the perfect plans He has as I walk daily. Sometimes it takes a while to see the fruits of faithful patience—my first trip to Kenya was 12 years in the making—the next one, well, I’ll keep you posted.

On the way back to Seattle, Emily and I silently processed just how blessed the day had been—saying yes to a spontaneous trip refreshed our souls in ways that we didn’t even know we needed. Our respective visions and dreams had been clarified and sharpened—glimpses of goals and written plans sparking hope and joy. Even this morning, my pastor spoke on how God makes us, our plans, our calendars and our relationships new. Sometimes that means a spontaneous road trip, sometimes it means meeting new friends, but it always means growth and joy.