I used to have a story called "Things don't always turn out like they're planned" pinned to my cork board. The story is about a youth group's "random acts of kindness" project. Apparently this youth group assembled boxes filled with letters of encouragement, cookies and treats, and fun little gifts to lift the spirit - and then left them anonymously throughout their town. Sounds awesome, right? I know I'd love to walk out my door and see something amazing just waiting for me. Apparently not everyone else agreed...flash forward in the story to one of their lovely R.A.K. boxes being blown apart by the local bomb squad because it looked suspicious.
I have thought about that story quite a bit since I've been here in Slovakia. Sure, plans change a lot everywhere...and to be honest, I sometimes have quite a difficult time adjusting. Plans change, times are pushed back or moved forward, people are going to come and then back out.
Isn't this why we make plans? is how I used to approach this. However, this year's giving me a chance to have a little perspective and listen for what the Holy Spirit is encouraging me to see and hear.
Here's a story from last month I keep coming back to:
The progressive dinner on Friday was nothing like I'd hoped to organize. When we were about to set off, one of the leaders of the youth group was confused when I said we'd go to Pivkovci for the first part of our progressive dinner/evening. Uh oh, there was a problem and the youth didn't want to follow my plans. To be fair, I should have realized that progressive dinners are against Slovak culture...going to someone's home for 30 minutes and then leaving just isn't how things operate. It took quite a bit of convincing and insistence we follow my plan, but Dorast (the youth group) agreed to join me. However, anyone could see they were not happy; the elaborate evening of visits I'd planned was widely unpopular.
I was so embarrassed I'd planned something they disliked so much. What's worse, though, is I was even more embarrassed at how transparent my feelings were...two of the youth even began a campaign to cheer me up.
After the first visit, we deviated from my original plans and went to Marušiakovci. The youth were making it clear they wanted to cut down on the homes we'd visit. I really hated calling the families that had prepared food for us and cancel, but they were quite understanding. However, it was a great decision!
Mary had made plans also and had arranged for us to go sing at her neighbor's home. Then we shared prayers and were ready to walk out the door when the neighbor surprised us and led our group in saying the Apostles' Creed and giving a blessing to everyone there. It was such an amazing and moving moment! I was able to see the contrast between my "plans" and the impromptu ministry happening through Mary and her neighbors. I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to back down from insisting on my plans and truly support Mary in her ministry with the youth group. The message was quite clear: Sarah, put your pride on the shelf and support the ministry that is already happening here.
That night was so powerful for me. It's true that things don't always turn out like they're planned...and I thank God that is true!
This afternoon I helped Katka take Ester (1 yr) and Timko (3 yr) to the doctor's office in Lipt. Hradok. Since Timko didn't need to visit the actual doctor, Katka and I agreed that I could take Timko to the park for a little play time. However, we did not give him enough warning and the sudden mother-separation was a bit too much for Timko. We're talking wailing the likes of which I'd forgotten about (since my own temper tantrums in the mid-80's). The first few minutes of tears and crying were okay, but then I realized:
