To some, this could be a bit unsettling, unless one is entirely dismissive. But there is great hope in these words, “I know the plans . . . ” We can take comfort knowing there is an order to things. We may see chaos, but as I was instructed by Mr. Warren Olsen, English Instructor at Fergus Falls Community College, chaos is simply ‘unrecognized order.’ To think that there is even order in chaos is kind of mind blowing. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord . . . ” But it continues, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
Great is the offering
I think the verse is profound. It speaks of assurance. It offers comfort. Knowing that life has an order to it – even if it cannot be seen. The verse continues in offering promise. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you . . . ” The verse closes with, “plans to give you hope and a future.” Now who wouldn’t want that? Being a spiritual person or non-spiritual. Believing in a Higher Power or not. Great is the offering.
What to do with life?
I was going to be a Marine Biologist, then a Pharmacist. (Well, the very first thing I was going to be was a Cowboy, then a Football Player. (Wow, that would have been a big mistake for a guy my size!) Then I applied to Annapolis Naval Academy and was accepted as First Alternate. I would have gone the following year but crossed the age barrier in between. On to the Ministry, Law Enforcement, Hospital Administration, Chemical Engineer, Machinist, but where did I end up? Graphic Arts. Go figure. And I absolutely loved it! Through it all Someone already had that convoluted plan laid out. From it I learned it was not what I was doing but why I was doing.
I don’t know the plans
I don’t believe this verse in Jeremiah refers to a specific point in life, it exists with life and as life goes, so the verse follows. Ahead of me, there is a plan to give me hope and a future. It truly fascinates me and I take it to be a great Blessing in life. Additionally, I take it as a great Blessing that I do not know the plans.
“. . . it is the parts that I do understand” and other quotations
Mark Twain had this to say about the Bible: “It ain’t those parts of the Bible that I can’t understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.” An interesting observation.
Singer/songwriter, Rich Mullins, includes this lyric in his song, Hard to Get, “I can’t believe You’re leading me unless You led me hear, to where I’m lost enough to let myself be led.” Let that one sink in for a moment. For those who care to listen to the song that contains those lyrics, here it is:
We cannot escape our consequences
Life is full of choices – and consequences. I’ve already presented snippets of that reality in this post. We cannot escape our consequences. An honest observation by Alfred A. Montapert. But choices speak to freedom and freedom to choose is not only an awesome privilege, in the USA, it is a right. The blood of Patriots have defended this right. We bestow honor to those Patriots and Warriors who have defended this right throughout history with our own discernment and good judgement.
Only my opinion
Just my opinion. In fact, this entire piece is the opinion of one. I’m not expecting agreement by all, only respectful consideration. The freedom of expression is also an awesome privilege, and a right in the USA.
I think it’s time we had a photo. How about something relaxing? Like . . . BUTTERFLIES!
Closing
OK. No more deep talk. Just butterflies. I hope you have made it to this point of the blog.
Please contact me if you have questions regarding the purchase of any of these images. As those who follow me, and have made it to this point, I extend to you wishes of Peace.
