God's Will and our plans

[brigid12]

Having experienced some of life (a number of years, at least) I am wondering what you think of making plans. I’m sure that all of you have heard that: “If you want to make God laugh, just tell Him your plans.” While making tentative plans for the day (and praying to Him all the time - asking Him constantly about what we are about to do) and using our will to live out His Commandments as much as we can at that time, what else do you think can we realistically do?

 

[passivesquid]

thi is what i told a good friend about abouta dilema she had.“do whats in here (points chest) and just always keep your mind and heart open to god, he has plans for all of us, and he’ll show them to you when the time is right.but until then do whats in your heart and stay open for his signals”

you see this is what i usde to belive and i dont know if this goes against the catechism but…god does have plans for us and those thins will ahppen (for eample your death, minisrty and other major liestones in your life) but i dont think that he cares about what ooth aste your use.

now im sure taht god and his saints and angels have plans for all of us and that plan will be shwon at the right time and when it comes up its on us to decide wether to follow or stray.

 

[brown_bear]

Having experienced some of life (a number of years, at least) I am wondering what you think of making plans. I’m sure that all of you have heard that: “If you want to make God laugh, just tell Him your plans.” While making tentative plans for the day (and praying to Him all the time - asking Him constantly about what we are about to do) and using our will to live out His Commandments as much as we can at that time, what else do you think can we realistically do?

What wonderful topic!

I think that “If you want to make God laugh, just tell Him your plans” doesnt’ apply to a person living as you, fighting constantly to glance at God’s will.
God surely doesn’t laugh at His children. Sometimes - or often, I don’t know - your plans may be modified by God, but with the same care and delicacy we use to better address the choices of our children.

All the best!

Aurelio

 

[jaaraf]

A lot of times I plan then things turn out differently, but always for the best.

 

[puzzleannie]

if we practice conforming our minds, hearts, and wills to God and His commandments in small everyday things, and practice daily prayer, and frequent listening to God in scripture, and remain in communion with Christ and His Church through the sacraments, discerning His will and obedience will be much easier in big things, like vocation, career, lifestyle, ministry etc.

 

[ricmat]

I teach a number of CCD classes at our parish. Our DRE is of the opinion that “planning ahead” for these classes is nonsense, and that we should just go where the spirit moves us.

Well, the spirit moves me to plan ahead. So that’s what I do.

 

[newbetx]

Having experienced some of life (a number of years, at least) I am wondering what you think of making plans. I’m sure that all of you have heard that: “If you want to make God laugh, just tell Him your plans.” While making tentative plans for the day (and praying to Him all the time - asking Him constantly about what we are about to do) and using our will to live out His Commandments as much as we can at that time, what else do you think can we realistically do?

"An unaimed arrow never misses it’s mark!?
Oh, I hate to plan, but plan I must. Vacations, budget, who drives who where, when, how and why! My wife wants a plan for the next 25 yrs! (some book told her it was a good idea). . While it is true, God will likely change plans for us, if we care to listen, I’ve come to realize that “plan your work, work your plan” really is a great idea… You know that cartoon that shows a big mathmatical expression and in the middle it says “and here a miracle happens!”? Maybe that’s God’s plan… We know we can’t get there from here without his help and we pray in advance for that miracle?

 

[Fizendell]

What a great question! I have often wondered the same thing. I’m a planner by nature. I have a list for everything and need to know what’s involved before going forward.

For the past couple of years, I have been feverishly working the corporate ladder, and have come to wonder why I bother! Studying hours on end for a degree I think I’m “destined” to have, pouring over books about “simplifying” my life and forging the seven habits of highly stressed out ---- I mean, effective - people and all of those things. And yet - what IS God’s plan for me? I figured, well, I’m thirty-something and what I’m striving for isn’t BAD per se - so I’ll just keep forging ahead until He tells me differently.

But - what if I’m not listening? What if I get up every morning and say - Ok God - here’s what I have to do - go to work, go to class, study and sleep. Oh yeah - and feed the dogs and say hi to my son, ask how his day was, nod in half-listening and on to studies. Say hi to hubby, ask how his day was, nod in half-listening and on to getting ahead in the work world.

What’s my point? My point is - for all my plans that I thought were taking me to the place where I thought God’s will was for my life - it all came to a screeching halt in February. When after serious prayerful consideration (retreats are good for that) and a chat with my confessor/favorite priest - it turns out, God wanted me to stop the fast track up the ladder and start paying attention to my family and to my spiritual life.

I try to pray, “Lord, conform my will to Yours” because I don’t want to wonder if I’m doing His will or if mine is conflicting with His. I want my will to be His will.

It’s not easy. Even now, I struggle. But getting my priorities straight and living according to them (God, family, extended family, THEN work) has certainly changed how I make plans! I still make lists and plan ahead - but focusing on what is eternal helps open the door to His will and His plans.

 

[brigid12]

I thought I was doing what I needed to do to stay in His Will - praying all the time (even coming into the RCC). Well, I don’t blame Him but “someone” was possibly threatened by another soul in close contact with Him, it would seem IMHO. Well, the chain of catastrophies that took place, when I don’t have time in my lifespan to correct them, didn’t take me from Him (but I sure agree with Mother Teresa when she said that even tho’ He won’t give us anything we can’t handle she sure wished He didn’t have so much confidence in her!). I’ve read Job so much and am waiting for the 42nd chapter of my life (believe me, I’m praying for friends+)!!

Guess I’m just lost in starting over (I would never have expected to be starting over this completely at this age!) I guess I’m wondering if that same “someone” is lurking to see if he can take me from Him, again. Maybe, I should just decide to be a “victim soul”, then whatever ___ did would be only to the good! What do you think?

Planning just seems a waste :banghead: (This from a huge planner and list maker.)

 

[DL82]

I am a massive planner by nature. I think planning is good in general, but what I really ought to avoid is all the contingency planning I do. I plan not just one way to get things done, but hundreds, going from the best case scenario down a long list to what to do if all else fails. If God closes a door, I’ll try to climb through the window, and this is something I need to learn to let go of a bit and just trust that He really does want what’s best for my life. As someone who’s in the process of emigrating to marry my fiancee, that’s a nerve-wracking thing to let go of, to say to God, “I know you’ve called me to the vocation of marriage, so I’ll do my best, but I’ll do it your way and in your time”.