Not as Planned…

For months, I had planned this trip. I mapped out the possible route, and my Google history was filled with Airbnb searches and flight comparisons. But then everything turned out differently.

I lost a part of my heart to North America when I was just 14—maybe even earlier. Since then, I’ve felt a deep connection to Canada and the U.S. I last visited in 2018, and I could hardly wait to go back—this time with Leon and Malea.

However, our circumstances led us to decide to postpone the trip once again. Sometimes wisdom must take precedence over heartfelt desire. It’s sad, of course, and this isn’t the only plan this year that hasn’t come to fruition.

Lately, I’ve been reminded that life isn’t something we can fully plan. Everyday situations are teaching me that “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). Sometimes it hurts, and I feel deeply disappointed.

But I want to learn to trust that God’s plans are higher and better than mine (Romans 8:28; Isaiah 55:8–9). There are no coincidences. God withholds nothing good from us. He already sees the entire masterpiece; we only see small brushstrokes. Yet God places each brushstroke with the utmost care and love until it becomes a priceless painting.

Love,
Mirjana Joy