We had a family reunion for my mother’s side of the family yesterday. It was good to see everyone again. I remember one of the aunts that was there taking me to the store when I was a child to reward me for something I had done for them. She bought me a toy, which was a big thing back then, as payment for my work. There were many other stories shared yesterday. It’s amazing to think back about your life and realize nothing has happened by accident, but everything has been under the watchful eye of our Creator. (Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.) God decided where we would be born. God determined who our parents would be. God directed who would influence our lives. If God planned all these things, then how did so many get in the mess they are in today? They have refused to follow the plan God had for their life. Were there things in my childhood I would have loved to go differently? YES! Have there been things that happened in my adult life that I would have liked to have been easier? YES! Would I choose another road than the one God has had we walk? NO! You will never find happiness and feel complete until you surrender your life to the plans God designs for you. It is not a prison life walking with God, it is quite the opposite. Living the life God plans for us is living in freedom, walking in faith, and being able to see God’s hand at work in our daily life. I am thankful for all the members of the family God planned to be part of my life. I am thankful for all the positive influences they have had on my life. I am thankful this was God’s plan for me. I am blessed. Pastor Don [image: image.png]