Change of Plans

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25 

I have a very detailed calendar that helps me keep track of my busy schedule with all the traveling I have to do. I got upset recently when my husband didn't check our combined calendars when making plans. Strangely enough it was me who had to change my mind and my plans after that conversation. I apologized for my anger and realized how often we make plans that have to be rearranged. Our rational selves figure things out, only to be thwarted by our subconscious, our angels and our fragile bodies. There are many more important voices at times that our small brains.

Joseph was engaged to Mary, and when finding out her truth, wanted to do right by her, and also save face for himself. He came up with a good rational plan that would cover all bases. Instead, an angel appeared to him in a dream, and he changed his plans and changed his life for ever. He would face terrible challenges as well as disgrace, isolation, becoming a refugee and losing all control of his present and future. Joseph's change of heart made room for the Savior of the world. Often times, our rational minds press forward and God has to lovingly, or otherwise, interrupt us, so that we can help change the world.

Today, I ask God to help me listen deeper, to make plans with the understanding that there is always another way. May all that we do help bring God's love into the world today.