"...But Now I'm Found..."

Everyone has a plan for their life...or at least some expectations. Not that they have all the little details figured out, but they know pretty much which direction they want to go in. And some people do get into all the little details and whatnot...I think most people have a short film in their head containing the most important future moments of their lives. And then God comes along and says "No."

I never thought I would join the military. Certainly not the Marine Corps. And yet here I am, almost four years into my contract and shortly I'll be on my way out. This fall I'm applying for college...again. Except this time I'll be 23. Will I have to live on campus? How the heck am I supposed to share a room with some 19-20 year old kid? I will probably kill him, and then have to spend some time in prison. Not to mention the spiritual consequences. And don't even get me started on my plan for my relationships...which has been torn asunder many times...mostly by me screwing things up myself. *shakes head* Or going ahead with one plan when God is telling me something completely different. It's easy to tone Him out until he starts knocking with an A-bomb.

I need to be able to see God's plan and not just submit to His will, but submit joyfully. There is a reason for everything He does. If I'm in the Marine Corps, it's because He needs to build my character, have me see things most people never will, develope compassion and strength...billions of encounters and lessons weaving in and out of each other. No matter how perfect something might seem, no matter how much we want it...if He says no, it's because He knows best. How many little kids do you think thought their mommy or daddy was mean for not letting them touch that shiny red stove top?

I'm going home soon, and there probably won't be a lot of chances there for me to hang out with my friends...most of them don't live there anymore. But there is something there for me, some lesson, some message, some special time with my family, or quiet time with him that is waiting for me. All I have to do is open myself up. I've got the best navigator in the universe...time to trust His brilliant and perfect maps, and not the ones I drew up on a napkin.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6

That is probably my favorite verse from the Bible. Let's keep our hands away from the stove, shall we?

God bless,
-Matt