A Part of His Plan

If you are hired, where do you plan to be in five years?” It was the first time I was ever asked this question in a job interview, and for a moment, I was stumped.

Up to that point in my life, I had either left a position after two or three years or had been employed by friends or relatives.

I had never really thought about being somewhere long-term.

It just was not a part of my plan. I gave a pat answer and prayed that this answer would be sufficient. It must have been because I received a call from the human resources department and, shortly thereafter, began what would become a twenty-year career with that law firm. As time went on, it became my intention to stay with that firm until it was time for me to retire. But then, a global pandemic hit, and my plans had to change.

As caregiver to my mother, who was very ill at the time, the option to work from home initially was a blessing, but when the firm began hinting that a return to the office setting would be mandatory, I knew that my plans would have to change.

I prayed about it, asking God to make a way.

Within a week, I received an email from our HR department chair that stated they were going to offer early retirement to any employee who was at least fifty-five years old with five years of experience. In the firm’s more than one-hundred-year history, they had only done this once before. I had turned fifty-five the previous year.

While it was not my plan to retire at that young age, it was all a part of God’s plan. Within six months of my retirement, I was bored with staying at home, and God opened a door for me to work for my church. While ministry was not a part of my life plan, I have seen God use me to bless others and have been blessed in return.

I have learned through this experience that God’s plans are always the best ones. What plans is God unfolding in this season of your life? Remember, His plans are always best.

We can trust Him.

Kristina E. Smith