Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 1:7-13

11In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,12in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13… When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. (NIV)

A few Sundays ago Dr. Clingenpeel spoke about teaching someone to drive and that moment when you realize that there are no brakes on your side of the car. At that point you have to trust in God and allow your faith to get you through the harrowing experience!

To be fair, I have never taught anyone to drive, but I do have a distinct memory of Coach Gray teaching me to drive, screaming at me in the next seat, and the extra set of brakes being employed on more than one occasion. I also recall learning how to drive in my mom’s car and seeing her clutching on to her seat for dear life. I think we all wish we could go through life with the extra control that the drivers’ ed car provided!

Our first child is coming in June, and I’m lucky enough to have several friends from college who are also pregnant, and we are all expecting our first babies this summer within weeks of each other. It has been wonderful to reconnect with these girls, some of whom I’ve seen only sporadically over the years.  Upon reflection, I can see how each of us is trying to maintain control over this wonderful, exciting, and frightening new adventure on which we are embarking!

One of us is a researcher and has researched every single baby product ever made. (I’ll give you a hint: that one is not me.) She knows everything — and I mean EVERYTHING — about the stroller market in 2015.

One of us is a worrier and has researched every health concern that one could experience. She knows medical jargon and has read numerous studies about everything. (She also has pre-ordered her monogramed thank you notes, so she is a worrier with impeccable etiquette.)

Another one of us in the middle of a move and cannot handle one more baby question or item on her to-do list. She does a lot of yoga.

The last member of the group is me. I’m not sure how I would rate in the planning area, but I think I’m doing ok. (Don’t ask my husband; he will not give you a fair assessment.) I’m trying to stay relaxed and to stay calm with the knowledge that all things will be worked out in due time. I try to be moderate in my worry, research, and to-do lists. Between yoga, friends, The Upper Room, and a decent amount of planning, I think I’m doing pretty well with not knowing what the future looks like.

I recently came across this quote that sums things up very well: “Everything in the Universe is subject to change, AND everything in the Universe is right on schedule.”