In the movie Evan Almighty, there is a scene where Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) is talking with God (Morgan Freeman). God told Evan that he will be building an Ark to house the animals from a flood. Evan is less than excited about it. He proceeds to tell God how he is not the man for the job, he has other things to do and how this project does not line up with his schedule. Instantly, God starts laughing. Evan goes on to strongly emphasize; "this is not in my plans!" Upon hearing this, God erupts into even further laughter. Evan just stares at him with a look of "why are you laughing?"
The next words God tells Evan are powerful; "Your plans? Yeah that's a funny one."
People want to believe they are in control of their plans. We feel confident and on purpose when we work that plan and progress on it. But does that really qualify as being in control?
Recently, over lunch, a good friend of mine reminded me of that movie scene and how life is often like that.
Like Evan, I too was given something which was not part of my plans. It came out of left field, no signs, no warnings whatsoever. My friend, mentor, sound board and prayer partner when things got tough, she edited most of my writings for the last two and a half years, had a life altering accident and lost her life. Truly a tragedy. One that her family and I are still working through. Losing Gina prematurely was not in any of our plans and some of us are still speechless.
Rarely, if ever, are there answers to why things like this happen, especially when they seem so devastating. Was it God's plan? Was it just an accident God allowed to happen? One day, maybe we'll know, but for now, in this life, all of us will have to deal with tragedies. Responsibilities and obligations never not stop for the living.
More than likely, our best, well intended plans will have to be altered. That doesn't make them wrong, it means we need to be able to change, with the change that is thrown to us. Each of us set our plans into motion with the most accurate information we have at the time. Then, down the road, with more information the necessary changes can be made, ensuring the desired outcome we want.
Many good, caring, loving people have had things happen to them that they did not deserve or they were not part of their plans. Yet at the end of the day, the best thing we can do is get back up, dust ourselves off and allow ourselves to deal and heal. Then, start walking again. It's a process that takes time and we need to be patient with our self. No, it won't be easy, no one ever said it would.
Tragedies are not road blocks, they're detours. I had to remind myself of this a few times over the last several months. We may walk differently after the tragedy and that's OK. The point is to start walking again. Don't let devastation hold you back from doing what you know, needs to be done.
Set backs are 90% internal and 10% external. They are a mental battle. At the end of the day, I am reminded that losing someone you love is merely an indicator that your course has changed. Moving forward is the only option for me and I hope it is for you, as well.
Have a great weekend everyone, be blessed.
(In memory of an amazing friend and woman, Gina Barrett. I promise to finish what we started, love and miss you mom)
