Pivot.

Learn to see value in the pivotal moments of life where God asks you to set aside what is good so you can pursue what is better. 

I am typically a planner. Yes, I said "typically".

For most of my life, I have lived with a planner by my side (Blue Sky, to be exact) - marked with different colors for different people and / or activities. To-do lists are a staple in my world. Is there really anything better than checking off what you accomplished and watching the list become shorter (or crossing off, if using the always dependable paper and pen - with a black permanent marker to boldly show the done items)?!  

Years ago (yes, I'm getting old and wearing "reading" glasses to type this), if something went off schedule or didn't go as planned, I was not ok. In my mind, everything had to be perfect. And, oh my goodness, did I get frustrated if it wasn't.  Frankly, it was ridiculous. Thankfully, this obsession of sorts subsided for various reasons.  Yet, I still enjoy a good plan, while realizing it may very well change numerous times (and that's OK).  

You see, over the past several years - and even recently - I have had to realize that my plan is not necessarily God's plan.  And, my plan certainly doesn't usually align with the plans of others around me - despite my determination and insistence that everyone else (including God) agrees with my plan.  

I mean...I KNOW what's best for ME, right?!  

WRONG. Wrong. Wrong. 

And, if you know me at all, I do NOT like to be wrong! 😉

As I have been processing life challenges and changes, a friend recently reminded me that our change in plans is really just an opportunity to PIVOT. Hmmm...I hadn't thought of it that way, but I like it! When a roadblock pops up or a path changes direction, it really is a chance to move a different way...learn...grow from experiences...and attempt to trust God's plan for us. 

Side note - I am NOT a patient person.  I always joke that I was born 6 weeks early simply because I was tired of waiting. Not my strongest attribute!  

Trusting God's plan often feels daunting and impossible, at times. I don't want to wait...I just want to KNOW and execute! 

But, I ask again -- what if every roadblock or change is just an opportunity to pivot?

In the business world, pivoting is often defined as a strategic shift in direction, often involving a change in approach without altering the core vision or goal. It's adapting to new information or changing circumstances and adjusting the plan accordingly. 

While our plans are sometimes different than God's, perhaps a change in circumstance is His way of redirecting us to His plan / outcome. 

I can so easily get frustrated when plans change, especially when I thought I had it all figured out.  It's REALLY frustrating to not KNOW God's plan. Pivoting is much easier, especially when you know what the end result will be.  But, we don't. We have to trust that God's plan is better. God's plan seems to include way more pivots than I ever planned to have. (See what I did there...planned pivots 😉.) I don't understand and it can make me very frustrated - if I let it. But, I also KNOW he sees things I don't.  God knows things I don't. His plans are so much greater than mine - or yours.  It's up to us to trust Him, even if it takes much longer than we'd like. 

So...when things change or obstacles arise, pivot. 

Oh, and find a friend (or friends) that support and encourage life's pivots. And, know that pivots are just one step closer to experiencing God's master plan. 

Until next time...

Kari [xoxo]