The Unplanned Life

It seems like life rarely happens as planned -- at least as I plan. I realized this anew with the recent birth of my 3rd daughter. I thought I would have one of those storybook labors (whatever that is), something I didn't have the 1st time around with my twins. But God had different plans, something I wouldn't have imagined, but something that wound up being the best for my little girl. So now I'm glad that things didn't go as planned.
When I look back over the 29 years of my life, I realize that many things didn't go as planned. Growing up, I figured my life would be filled with a career. Even though I had fairy tale dreams of love and marriage, I thought that a family of my own was out of my reach -- so I made other plans. But God's plans surpassed my own -- for which I am eternally grateful.
Four years ago, I met the man who would change my life and make the fairy tale come true. A year later, we were married in a small country church in Wisconsin with our two beautiful horses looking on. Once again, something I never imagined. It would be the beginning of a whirlwhind year. Less than two months later, I had to leave my new husband to check into an eating disorder rehab program for 45 days. My motivation for recovery -- the hope that some day I could have children if I received treatment. A horse trampling, a tumor discovery, and surgery that I thought would surely hamper my longing for children, all ensued.
I never planned to have twins, but God did. I figured my pregnancy would be relatively normal -- not ridden with every possible obstetrical nightmare. I didn't plan to give birth prematurely at 29 weeks, but God had it all taken care of.
Looking back, I can see lots of tears and questions. Many times, I cried out to God, searching for answers. I still don't know why He allowed some struggles and pain. But I have peace knowing that He is and always has been in control.
And so, I've decided that I need to live an "unplanned life." After all, there is no sense in making plans when my Heavenly Father has higher goals in mind. Instead of being a career woman, I'm a happy wife to my own Prince Charming and a delighted mommy to 3 precious girls. I'm glad I chose His plan over my own!