One of the things we should do in life is to plan. Life is short and we have to make the most out of it. That is why when we were young one of the things our parents taught us – to plan. “What is your plan in life?” Planning is part of life. The moment we wake up, we plan for the day. 2020 is now upon us. What is our plan?

While we all have to plan, let us also remember to be ready when God changes our plans. We should be ready when life does not turn out the way we planned it.

In the Gospel, we hear of two women whose plans were changed: Elizabeth was old and barren and then suddenly she is now about to conceive a son. Mary was about to marry Joseph until Angel Gabriel told her that she will be the mother of the Messiah. 

When God changes our plans and life does not turn the way we planned it, three things we remember:

1. Everything happens for a reason and purpose. Yes, even things that we consider unfortunate. The unexpected surprises in life like waking up one day and you have a chronic sickness or being betrayed by a friend who you trusted. Yes, plans will change because everything happens for a reason and purpose.
2. Ask for Guidance. Many times when difficult things happen to us, we ask God “Why?” It is very hard when bad things happen to good people. Instead of asking God why we ask him “What?” What Lord are you telling me in this very difficult situation?
3. Acceptance. When plans are not realized, we get afraid, we get angry, we get nervous, we get fearful. The best approach is to be more accepting. There are things that are beyond our control and we cannot control people. 

That is why for all the heartaches we experienced last year that we still we carry in our hearts, we remember the words in Jeremiah: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”