“We make lots of plans but God’s purpose prevails." ~ Proverbs
19:21
We all have a story. The one God wrote for Alejandro took several
unexpected turns.
Despite an education from a major university, he graduated
in the midst of one of the country’s worst recession. No one was hiring.
A friend got him a job at a group home for cognitively
disabled adults. That was certainly NOT
part of his career plan. It was hard
work and emotionally draining.
Alejandro was responsible for helping the residents develop
life skills until they were ready to live independently. The most challenging part of the job was helping
them learn to control their behaviors when they acted out – a liability he
dreaded and seemed ill-prepared to assume.
Jacob, one of the residents in particular, would become
violent at times when frustrated. He did
enjoy hiking outside, so Alejandro often walked with him to calm him down.
One day when they were out walking Alejandro suddenly felt
something touch his fingers. Jacob was
trying to hold his hand. Instead of
pushing it away Alejandro grabbed his hand and they strolled together in the
sunshine.
As they headed home Alejandro felt the warmth in Jacob’s
eyes. They beamed with love, with joy,
with goodness.
He closed his own eyes and savored the moment. He let the happiness soak into his bones, never
releasing Jacob’s grip.
It caught him off guard.
In that instant, Alejandro saw past Jacob’s troubling behaviors and his
impairment. He saw who Jacob really was.
For the first time in forever his body and mind relaxed - no
expectations on him, no deadlines and no schedules to meet. This wasn’t his plan … but he liked where it
was headed.
Little did Alejandro know that God would use that experience
to help prepare him for his own two son’s Autism. Although his boys often found it difficult to
fit in, it helped their Dad see the light that shone within them as well. Learning to accept, nurture and celebrate
their differences was a critical step to encourage them as the men God created
them to be.
It helped him realize that caring for them was not a duty
but an honor; that every child of God is precious and holy. They became his best tutors about how to live
and how to love. And when it came to
plans, God may have steered his somewhere else, but He always had something
bigger and better in mind.
No matter where you are on your faith journey, there’s a
plan and a purpose to what you experience.
If you’re struggling, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Be encouraged by reading about others’
experiences who have seen the transforming work of Jesus in their lives.
Heavenly Father, You know me better than I know
myself. I know you have a plan for me,
so please don't let my desires blind me to Your will. Give me peace about whatever is to come,
trusting completely in Your hand. Amen
