God's Plan vs. Mine

     Last night my granddaughter Kaley went to the high school prom. She and her boyfriend, Chris, came to our house first for pictures. Other family members and friends stopped by. It was a festive time. She was beautiful, and they looked great together.

     The occasion brought on a flood of memories. One was of Kaley’s grandmother and me going to our own prom in 1967. Another was of the day Kaley was born. That day is memorable not only because of her birth, but because my mother was offended that she learned of her new great-granddaughter when it was announced in church. She thought she should have heard it from me or from Meredith, Kaley’s mother. 

     Kaley was born around five a.m., too early to call my mother. Alenda and I had a golf date at eight, and I decided to wait until after we played to call family members. Little did I realize that Meredith would text everyone in her phone directory, which included my niece Jennifer, who attended the same church as my mother. She told the pastor, who announced it. My mother eventually forgave us.

     The most meaningful memory was of my reaction to learning that Meredith was pregnant with Kaley. At the time, Meredith was struggling with life. I had been praying that she would not get pregnant until she was better equipped to deal with a child. When she told me that she was expecting, I was concerned that she would be unable to provide the love and support needed. I worried about how this new person would flourish. Obviously, God had not answered my prayer at that time.

     Instead, God provided Meredith the inspiration to change. Years later, Meredith told me that when she saw the ultra-sound of the being growing within her, she vowed “it’s not about me anymore, it’s all about this life I have created.” She has honored that vow ever since. Kaley has grown into a wonderful young lady. She has brought me a great deal of joy and pride. 

     I don’t pretend to understand God or God’s grace. I simply believe in it. I am very humbled when I reflect that the very thing I prayed would not happen became the tool that brought Meredith to a much better place in life. It also created the gift of Kaley who has brightened the lives of many people, and promises to continue doing the same for many more.

     I have had other occasions where it appeared my prayers were ignored, yet later I came to know that God had graced me and others. I try to keep this in mind when some situation looks bleak. There is hope in even the darkest times.