I have a little refrigerator magnet that says, “We plan; God laughs.” It’s a constant (and much needed) reminder that my own plans for my day, my week or even my life are not the final word as far as God is concerned.
In the Nativity story, Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, would have appreciated my refrigerator magnet. He was an ordinary man looking forward to getting married, raising his family and being a carpenter when God dramatically interfered with his plan. Joseph’s fiancé became miraculously pregnant, and an angel told Joseph that this unplanned, awkward, even hurtful situation was indeed God’s plan and he, Joseph, would play an important role in helping God save humanity (Mathew 1:18-25).
God wasn’t really laughing at Joseph’s plan for a nice quiet life – he was replacing it with something much greater.
Joseph was called to tremendous faithfulness and trust as he let go of his own expectations and control over his future. God’s priorities had to replace his own, even if he felt confused, unworthy, resentful, envious of his “less burdened” friends, and scared. Yet, he leaned into this new role and with faithful obedience consistently did what God told him to do.
Have you ever had a sense of, “God, what are you doing to my life?? You want me to do what?!”
Perhaps you had important parts of your life planned out and God seemed to change the plans on you? Or had the world figured out – the way everything worked together for good, or at least the way it all made sense to you – and then the world stopped working that way and become unpredictable? God changed the world and your place in it and now it doesn’t make sense?! Or perhaps God called you to do something different, other than what you expected or were prepared for.
The older we get, the more we recognize these “divine interruptions.” I’ve finally learned to pray and listen more and accept the reality that God’s plan for me doesn’t always match MY plan, and it evolves over time. How I am to share God’s love with people can change, and in ways I never saw coming.
We are continuously called to be faithful witnesses for the love of God in new ways, new places and new situations. We might be called to a new project or to do ministry differently, to engage with family members in new ways, to make career changes or give back to our communities in new ways. Our challenge is to recognize the new calls and let ourselves gracefully change directions. It’s OK to mourn the things we have to let go – old dreams, old plans, “the way we were.” They were all important once. Now God is calling us to something deeper.
We can let this Christmas be a “holy interruption” for us as God also chooses us to “raise Jesus” up here on earth and make his love known in the world. Pray for the grace to listen to God’s voice with an open mind and heart and know you can always rest secure in God’s endless love and care. Trust God enough to let go of your own plans and go with his.
Trinity Episcopal Church welcomes you each Sunday at 10:00 a.m., where you will find a warm congregation, uplifting liturgy, and the good news of God’s love shared in word and sacrament. All are welcome! Come be part of a community that stands together in faith and love.
