“Momma, what we gonna do?” my 3-year-old boy asks when I pick up from school, before he goes to bed, and when he wakes up. He’s the carefree, fearless second-born child and this need-for-a-plan mentality from him surprises me. His 6-year-old sister has been asking for a plan for as long as I can remember. He’s probably learning it from her. But, still, it surprises me he cares. And it surprises me even more he remembers.
So I tell him, “You’re going to take a nap when we get home.”
Almost immediately, he asks again. “Then what we gonna do?”
Annoyed by the repetitiveness, I list things in order.
He wants to know more, even though he has no concept of time and defines days by bedtimes. Knowing this is one of those times when answering his questions typically breeds more questions, I just stop after the naptime and dinnertime plan. I may throw in if he needs a bath or if somebody is coming over that day.
But that’s it. Too big of a picture is too much for his busy, messy 3-year-old life.
As soon as I consider myself annoyed, I realize that’s ridiculous. I do the exact same thing with God. I may be 11 times my boy’s age, but I still lead a busy, messy life.
I find myself asking God what’s next. More than once a day. Sometimes more than once an hour. I can’t fathom the whole entire picture of what he has in store for me, yet I want to know. I want to make a plan. I want to see a timeline. I want to figure it out.
God tells me to wait. He reveals a little when my friend needs to me to watch her kids because her babysitter is sick. He shows me a little more when I drop off something at another friend’s house and leave my minivan running in the driveway but end up staying 40 minutes because we wanted to catch up. He gives me insight to my purpose when I am inspired to write and give of my time to a small, private Christian school I believe in.
And, yet, still, I ask, “God, what’s going to happen next? And when are you going …” It could be anything. When are we going to meet the birthmom for the third adoption process we hope to experience? When will my boy decide the potty isn’t scary? When will I finally realize talking louder and harsher when we’re trying to get out the door on time in the morning isn’t going to speed up anyone?
See, here’s the thing: I believe God’s in control. I don’t doubt he’s working.
I just try to take it all back when I crave a plan. Yes, I want a plan for the day, and the week. But what I really want is to see the plan for my life. Instead, the creator of the universe reveals it to me in moments. These moments make the journey. Perhaps that’s really the plan.
By Kristin Taylor, 152 Insights to My Soul
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Rachael says
Beautiful, dreamer friend. I feel like I’m yelling, “What’s next?” at God somedays, and He quietly whispers, “Just do the next thing…” He is always in front of me, and always knows the plan. I’ll just keep doing (too often, frustratedly!) the small things He gives my hands to do, and wait – because like you said, these moments make our lives.
Kristin Taylor says
Yes … I yell and God whispers. I know that kind of contrast around here too.
Jen says
Perfect post for me to read today!
Kristin Taylor says
God’s timing is good like that, Jen! Enjoy your day!
Mel says
So fun to see your smiling face here today, friend! Great post…thank you for the reminder that He’s got it all planned…even if we can’t (and probably shouldn’t, for our own good) see the whole picture. Love this!
Kristin Taylor says
Thanks, Mel! It’s a reminder I need regularly. 🙂
Crystal says
You are speaking to this dreamer’s heart today, girl. Love this! And so excited to see you here – beautiful, inspiring words 🙂
Kristin Taylor says
So glad you are encouraged. Thanks for sending encouragement my way at the same time.
Stephanie says
I’ve been doing a lot of “what’s next” lately. And grumping because my desires/plans aren’t being fulfilled either as fast or as soon as I want them to be.
I’m thankful for this reminder.
Kristin Taylor says
I’ve been there, Stephanie. God has something wonderful in store for you. Even when you can’t see, it’s working on it. 🙂
Anonymous says
Just love this…:) and so very timely in my life, as well. Thank you, Kristin, for a beautifully written reminder! Have a lovely Mother’s Day!
Kristin Taylor says
Thank YOU for your sweet comment!
Gindi says
I love this! Love every word! And it’s so so true. Thank you for sharing your heart so honestly.
Kristin Taylor says
Funny how God uses our kids to bring truth to us, huh? 🙂
Chelle says
Kristin,
you were writing out of my head. I’m struggling with waiting lately and I needed this message. Thank you. Like you, “I just try to take it all back when I crave a plan. Yes, I want a plan for the day, and the week. But what I really want is to see the plan for my life. Instead, the creator of the universe reveals it to me in moments. These moments make the journey. Perhaps that’s really the plan.”
It is, and I am thankful that He is the Master Planner. All I need to is be faithful. Even though it’s hard.
So good. So necessary.
Happy Mother’s Day with many blessings, sister dreamer.
Peace and good to you in Jesus’ name
Kristin Taylor says
I’m so glad God used my messy, loud boy to speak truth into your life too. 🙂
Julie Sunne says
I love the emphasis you make that we are on a journey made up of little moments, Kristin. God reveals the moments, but the journey is often a wondrous mystery. Wish I could always look at it this way.
Kristin Taylor says
I wish I could always see it this way too, Julie! 🙂 I’m a work in progress, and so thankful God doesn’t leave me the same.
Amber says
Thank you for sharing your heart Kristin! I do the same thing you do-always wanting to know what’s next from God when I should be resting content in the moment. A great reminder!
Kristin Taylor says
Whew, being content in the moment is hard stuff, but it’s possible because we serve a mighty God who has it all together. I’m certainly learning as I go … 🙂
Elizabeth Anne May says
Kristin: Sweet friend, how this resonates with me today! I am like your son, always asking God, “what’s next?” I can be so impatient sometimes. I can only see today– but thanks so much for the reminder that He has a bigger picture.
Kristin Taylor says
I have a hard time being still, so I’m always thinking about what comes next. Your post about playing was good for me in a similar way, to think about slowing down and pausing for what’s right here in the moment.
Vanessa says
Thank you, Kristin! This touches me because I get you…I want to see the plan for my life, too. I believe He has a plan and He leads but I really, really want to know not just what’s next but what’s later!!
Kristin Taylor says
It’s a constant lesson for me to let … it … go and be still enough to realize it’s all really better when I don’t try to be in control. I hold Romans 8:28 close. 🙂 Thanks for your comment, Vanessa.
Amy Corley says
Amen! The sentence, “These moments make the journey,” is so true. For some of us (like me!) who want to see more steps ahead, it is hard to settle in to the moment by moment walk with Jesus…but when we do, there is such peace and companionship. Great insights, Kristin!
Kristin Taylor says
Thanks, Amy. Romans 8:28 and Phil. 4 are some of my favorite verses, probably because this I need constant reminders God’s got it (all of it!) under control and there is peace that passes all understanding when we give it (all of it!) to him.
Alecia says
So happy to see you over here today! And what a great article! I can relate to this entire post from the kids incessant “what we gonna do”to my own incessant “ok, God, what’s next?” Like them I want to know! I’m sure He’s like take a chill pill and relax, enjoy the journey 🙂 So glad He’s patient with me, and I need to be more with my own kiddos when they just want to know what’s next too.
Kristin Taylor says
You’re right, Alecia! God probably laughs when I tell my kids to just take it one thing at a time and relax because that’s exactly what he tells me … constantly! 🙂 And, yes, my kids would be blessed by some more patience and kindness from me.
Rachael @ Mommy, LCSW says
Very familiar, both in the kids’ questions, and in my own. Waiting on God to answer is hard! I want to know, what’s next!?!
Kristin Taylor says
Ah, yes, the questions. Whew. 🙂
Kayse Pratt says
Love. I am such a planner. Lack of a plan makes me feel totally useless. But that’s all pride and control issues. I love that you said the little moments are the plan anyway. And this is me setting down the computer to go play with my daughter. 🙂
Kristin Taylor says
I know that feeling, Kayse! Isn’t it freeing to turn off the computer and go play?! I need to do more of that. 🙂
Beth Werner Lee says
These moments make the journey. Perhaps that’s really the plan.
Yes, that’s it!
Moment by moment is the plan!
Dependently is my word of the year.
You’ve written it so well for me, thank you!
His plan revealed moment by moment as I depend on him.
Just like your child, because he is Father God. Perfect parent!
Kristin Taylor says
Aren’t you glad we serve a perfect parent who doesn’t expect us to be perfect?! Your comment is like a mantra, Beth. Thanks for cheering on the truth.
Bev Duncan@ Walking Well With God says
Kristin,
So excited to get to finish reading your post on (in)courage! It’s been fun linking up with you also on Chasing Blue Skies :). I loved your post and have caught myself asking God so many times, “what are we gonna do next?”. Learning, in my old age, all good things in God’s good timing! Way to go!
Blessings,
Bev
Kristin Taylor says
Thanks, Bev, for coming on over here and finishing. I didn’t think my Out of the Blue friends would mind. 🙂
Alyssa says
Ahh! This really spoke to my heart today. I sometimes get so annoyed at my 3 year-old’s “and then?” because he wants to know the list of the day’s activities. What a great reminder that I have been doing this to my own Father all along. “These moments make the journey.” I will step back and indulge in those moments. Thank you for that!
Kristin Taylor says
I’m so glad us mommas can help each other and that we don’t all have frustrating days at the same time. Thanks for commenting, Alyssa.
Melissa says
Oh yes – These moments make the journey! I have to remind myself of that over and over again. I have always been a planner and liked to have control. He has been working on me and I am learning to live for the moments. Thank you for this beautiful reminder!
Kristin Taylor says
It’s a learning process, isn’t it?! Hang in there with it.
Beth says
Kristin, it’s so wonderful to see you over here at (in)courage! I’m a planner and always need to know what happens next. Learning to trust in His timing… thank you for this reminder today. With this pending deployment of my husbands this is a reminder I needed. Many blessings my friend.
Beth
Kristin Taylor says
Thank YOU, Beth, for your sweet encouragement.
Beth Williams says
Kristen,
I, too want THE Plan for my life–written out, spelled out & I’d like it now. Waiting makes us depend on Him and that is what this journey is all about–dependence on HIM and HIS Timing. After all Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you”.
Thank you dear sister for this reminder of dependence! 🙂
Kristin Taylor says
Such a promising verse you shared, Beth! Thanks for your comment.
Christine Wright says
Beautiful!! Absolutely beautiful!! And I can just hear his sweet little voice asking that question! : ) I too am guilty of this…it’s so hard!
Kristin Taylor says
Good to see your pretty face here, Christine!
Elise Daly Parker says
Awesome! Kinda like the familiar chant from our kids…or from ourselves. When are we gonna get there. The journey is the thing, one moment at a time. Bless you friend!
Kristin Taylor says
Are we there yet?! Huh? Huh? 🙂 Yes, One step at a time …
Maggie says
Oh wow, this post hit home for me. First, because I have a middle who is my, “what are we doing next?” child, but also because I can so relate to how I do the same with God. Thank you for sharing! Lots to ponder. Have a great weekend!
Kristin Taylor says
Right now Ben is our youngest of two kids, but I have told my husband several times he has a middle-child personality, so it’s funny to me you mention your middle child’s questions. 🙂 Enjoy your weekend, Maggie!
dorothy says
Hi Kristin, I get what you’re saying, but this post touched me in another way today. It made me think of the ways I keep asking God to prepare me for what’s next and then realizing that I missed the prep session. I was feeling down this morning and couldn’t shake it. I prayed, tried to find a Word, failed to connect and cried on the way to work. I forced myself to get lost in work and forgot I had a Big Sister meeting!?! So here I am begging for what’s next and I am not being faithful to the assignment I was given. I know God forgives, but now I need to seek forgiveness from a little girl who was counting on me to be her rock. AAAARRRGGG!
Kristin Taylor says
Days like that are so hard. Praying peace that passes all understanding covers your weekend. Living and serving in the present is important and I’ve been known to wish it away anticipating what’s next.
Debra Clover says
God will give me the next step, but then I always need to remind myself that he is in Control and all I need to do is take the next step and know that he knows the plan. As long as I hold His hand and stay out of his way, all will work to His glory. He is having me go in a way that I never though would happen, Praise God that He is a teacher through me. I love all I learn with the class.
Kristin Taylor says
Amen. 🙂
Randi says
Kristin I just read your post this morning and I believe it is for me! I spent my time in prayer today wrestling with my need for a plan, begging God to talk to me and give me secure footing for the next part of my journey. I wrestle with this greatly. He whispered to me through your post. Thank you.
Kristin Taylor says
God’s timing perfect! Thanks for sharing here.
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Pamela says
I’m a planner too. Sometimes I wonder if God gets tired of my “need to know.” I’m thankful for a God who controls my life — and for this post reminding me!
Kristin Taylor says
I’m so thankful God is a better planner than me. 🙂 I’m glad this post was a good reminder for you.