Life didn’t go the way you planned—so what?
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I remember the first real interview I had. I was 21 and dumb. I was interviewing for my first job as a police officer. I will never forget the question they asked me, “What is your five-year plan?”
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I had no idea. I wasn’t married. I had no kids. I was living with mommy and daddy. I was fresh off of my mission. I had a girlfriend (my wife now).
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None of that mattered, and that question was stupid. It’s still a dumb question (my opinion). If anyone were to ask me my five to ten-year plan right now, I would tell them to focus on the moment and plan for the week or month.
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Let me tell you why.
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I don’t control God. I don’t control what curveballs are thrown into my life. I don’t control mother nature. I don’t control most administrative changes. I don’t control the economy.
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How was I supposed to predict that 4 years later, I would leave them for another police agency? How was I supposed to predict that 6 years later, my sister-in-law would pass away? How was I supposed to predict my wife and I would have two kids and adopt two more (My sister-in-law’s babies)?
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My life didn’t go as I planned—so what?? I never expected my life to go a certain way. I learned from a young age that I didn’t have much control over significant life-altering events.
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God is and always has been in control. The minute we realize that you can let go of the wheel and punch the gas. Let Him steer! You operate the vehicle and let Him guide your path.
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When you pray, layout your goals for the day, the week, and the month. He wants to know what “work” you’re putting in. Then ask Him to let you know if you need to make changes and if so, ask Him to show you. Talk to your Father in Heaven! He loves you. You are His child.
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When significant changes come, embrace them and work through them with the Lord.
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“Don’t give up, boy. Don’t you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead—a lot of it—You keep your chin up. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.” Elder Holland.
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Hear Him!
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PC: Kelsy and Jesse Lightweave @altusfineart