God’s Plan

Does it feel like things are deteriorating? One of my favorite restaurants has lost its sizzle. Store items shrink in size while prices rise. That’s probably not what you expect to hear with flowers blooming and trees sprouting, but that’s how it goes. Spring makes everything feel fresh and new, yet each year our trees stoop a little lower, supporting fewer branches and leaves. Regardless of your age, I bet you’re feeling older and creakier, too.

Can you guess that I recently attended a high school reunion? I’m sure more than a few guests thought about how fast the years passed. It feels like only yesterday when we wondered what life changes awaited us at college, in first jobs, and in marriage. Despite tackling those milestones, I think my schoolmates were harboring questions about the future. Will we attend the next reunion? Will the next chapter of life be as good or better than the ones left behind? I’m convinced the answer is yes!

Regardless of where you are, what you’ve done, or didn’t do, the future is always yours to mold. There’s still time. This guy looks hopeful:  

                                         https://youtu.be/BRYUi-8WEi0   

Imagine changing the next decade by stepping out of your current situation and embracing a fresh, new one. How will it happen?   

Designated Survivor?

I dislike flies, especially when they’re inside our house. Few things are more annoying than chasing those little critters while they zip from one room to another. They gravitate to the windows trying to find a way out, but that only makes them easier to swat. I expect to find them flying around the kitchen searching for crumbs, but once they migrate to bedrooms I declare war. 

This week a fly had the guts to visit the bedroom and then sat on the bathroom sink alongside the soap. I lump soap and food together as the most unsettling places a fly can land. You never know what type of disgusting germs a fly will bring from its last adventure. In short, the fly that entered our house is…gone. It should have stayed with its buddies, like this explorer.

                                         https://youtu.be/iSnotDc9JIw

Did you feel like a wandering fly, heading toward the light, yet unsure if you’ll reach safety? Drifting off the main trail quickly causes disorientation and trouble, but our adventurous natures usually win out and we wander away anyhow. What kind of groups or people will prevent you from wandering into messy situations?                 

Not Going There

Earlier this week, while driving my normal route, I found the main ramp to the highway closed for repairs. Trusting GPS to get back on track, I followed the directions and found myself in the shady side of town. But, after a few turns, I was back to familiar territory.  Getting sidetracked can be annoying or worse since there’s always the opportunity for adventure or dangers. Take a look at this:

                                     https://youtu.be/jXil9P1xqKI

Have you wondered what could happen in this kind of situation? The agency puts layers of precautions in place for protection, but if anyone fails to follow directions, a “floater’s” fate isn’t pretty.  

We all need safety measures in place for when we feel off track. Rescue missions come in all forms. If you began floating from your normal routines, heading in a dangerous direction, what type of rescue mission would put you back on course?

Are You Lost?

I like power-shopping.  That’s the “art” of entering a store and gathering the necessary items in record time, within ten to fifteen minutes. Small convenience stores don’t count, they are designed for quick purchases—you’re in and you’re out.   The real key to power-shopping lies in knowing the store layout. So, when major stores in town decide to renovate and/or super size, take skates and get ready to wonder and wander.  Has anyone seen the soap?

In this area, over the past three years, at least three major stores have undergone renovations.  Once shelves are shuffled around, merchandise can quickly pop up in aisles that used to be empty spaces.  During a renovation, from start to finish, everything is in flux.  Stores should distribute floor maps as soon as a customer walks in the door.  The greeter could smile, wave and say, “Hello! Here’s today’s floor plan. Good Luck!”  Wave back. You won’t see them anytime soon.  I don’t know what renovations mean for store prices or the local economy, but I know what it means for me—confusion!

Fear not! The tips necessary to survive a store renovation are similar to what’s needed to survive a hike.  Watch and learn:

In addition to those great strategies, be prepared to take or purchase a bottle of water and some gum for the journey. 

Power-shopping (and hiking) is a lot like life.  If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re bound to be easily lost or distracted along the way. Eventually, you’ll wind up somewhere, doing something, but probably not where you wanted to be or doing what you should be doing. 

Have you ever felt lost in life? How did you handle that time and how did you get back on track?