The Best Plan

For those among us who are high achievers, you might be familiar with a loaded schedule and a busy life. You may thrive as you aim high and never let any opportunity slip past you. That is how I have always been. Two years ago, when my family moved from Nebraska to Tennessee, I started attending a college-preparatory school.

My plan for that year was to do everything the school had to offer, from singing in the choir to joining the acrobatic team. What I had not anticipated was that during that time, I became so busy that I lost sight of God. It wasn’t long before I was zoning out in religion class, falling asleep in church, and skipping my morning worship.

Although I had a group of friends at school, I was too exhausted to have any close friendships. Slowly, I started to lose myself due to my too-busy schedule, pursuing my good grades and fleeting achievements. So much for my plan.

By the time summer came around, I had begun to realize how unhealthy I had become. It was then that I cried out earnestly to God because I knew He was the only One who could save me and help me make the changes I needed to make.

Junior year came around, and though I did not know it at the time, God was already setting His plan for my life in motion. He encouraged me through family and friends to cut back on my high-achieving goals. And during that time, God gave me what I needed most—a best friend. Although it wasn’t what I initially thought I wanted, God gave me what I needed, and I am so thankful He did. What does your life look like right now? God says to you, “I know the plans that I have for you. . . . They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, GW). It’s true! God has a plan for you.

It took me a while to learn that lesson, but I now know that God’s plan always works together for good. And His plan is so much better than mine.

Madeleine E. Miyashiro