Making Plans

I came across this piece years ago and kept it all this time. I've researched numerous times on who could have written such a beautiful, uplifting and heartwarming piece but although it's found all over the Internet, the author is largely unknown (most blogs where this is reposted title it as God's Plan). I have a feeling this is something that just finds its way to you when you need it most, when things don't go as planned (which is often the case) to let you know things happen for a reason and by God's grace and you just have to keep the faith. :)

MAKING PLANS
Author Unknown

Some things are beyond planning.
And life doesn't always turn out as planned.

You don't plan for a broken heart. You don't plan for a failed business venture.
You don't plan for an adulterous husband. You don't plan for an autistic child.
You don't plan for spinsterhood. You don't plan for a lump in your breast.

You plan to climb the corporate ladder.
You plan to be rich and powerful. You plan to be acclaimed and successful.
You plan to fall in love - and be loved forever.

You don't plan to be sad. You don't plan to be hurt.
You don't plan to be broke. You don't plan to be betrayed.
You don't plan to be alone in the world.

You plan to be happy. You don't plan to be shattered.

Sometimes if you work hard enough, you can get what you want.
But most times, what you want and what you get are two different things.

We, mortals, plan but so does God in the heavens.
Sometimes, it is difficult to understand God's plans – especially when His plans are not in consonance with ours. Often, when God sends us crisis, we turn to Him in anger.
True, we cannot choose the cross that God wishes us to carry but we can carry that cross with courage knowing that God will never abandon us nor send something we cannot cope with.

Sometimes, God breaks our spirit to save our soul.
Sometimes, He breaks our heart to make us whole.
Sometimes, God sends us pain so we can be stronger.
Sometimes, God sends us failure so we can be humble.

Sometimes God sends us illness so we can take better care of ourselves.
Sometimes, God takes everything away from us so we can learn the value of everything He gave us.

Make plans but understand that we live by God's grace.