Have you ever had the experience of being on a good mission (like picking up coffee for a coworker, picking up flowers for your spouse, or picking up bourbon for your director of faith formation) when the Lord puts something or someone else in your path?

I’ve had this happen. Often. And sadly, my thought is often less than ideal: I don’t have time for this, Lord!

It’s as if I’ve convinced myself that the Lord is calling me to something very specific and anything that gets in the way of that—or slows it down in any way—couldn’t possibly also be in God’s plan for my day.

What storms do you find yourself stuck within? Illness? An abusive home? Chronic pain? Depression? Loved ones who are struggling? Anxiety about the direction of the country and/or the world? Unfulfilled dreams or potential?

Mark 4 talks about a storm, “Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was.” It goes on, “A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern...”

Let’s stop here and highlight something. Even in the midst of the squall (definition: a sudden, violent localized storm, especially one bringing rain, snow, or sleet) – Jesus was in the boat with them. He wasn’t on shore. He was with them in the storm.

Name five things you wish were different about your life right now. Snap your fingers and it is done. Big or small. Go! (I’ll wait right here.)

Maybe you went big right off the bat and tackled topics like eradicating Covid from the Earth, healing a parent, overcoming an addiction, or bringing a child back to the Catholic Faith. Maybe you ticked off some boxes that have been annoying you for years like squeaky stairs or losing that extra twenty pounds. (I’m sure those two biographical answers are COMPLETELY unrelated.) Or maybe you leveled up a few items like obtaining a nicer vehicle, getting that cabin, or being given that overdue promotion.

But now, let’s shift gears and name five things in your life you are grateful for right now. Big or small. Go! (I got nowhere to be. Do it.)

Sometimes, I wake up and struggle to say my favorite morning prayer, “Good morning Lord. What do you have for me to do today?”

I think happens when I forget a few basic truths: God knows what will happen in advance. If he knows what will happen in advance, he knows what will happen to me. If he knows what will happen to me, he must have a plan for me. And if he has a plan for me, he knows what I will need to accomplish it.