“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 (MSG)

When I was a little child, my parents would tell me to get in the car. I didn’t know where we were going. I didn’t know the names of the streets, the layout of the city, or how to read a map. I would get in the car. Maybe I was going with dad to get a haircut. Maybe we were going to the grocery store. Maybe I’d end up at the doctor to get an immunization shot, or perhaps I’d find myself at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.

“Tommy? Get in the car,” my mother would say.

“Come on, biddy buddy. It’s time to go,” my dad would beckon.

I didn’t know where I would end up, but I didn’t really question my parents. I knew I was loved. I couldn’t fathom the plans my parents had for me on that Saturday morning errand or how it fit in the longer range vision they had for my childhood or adolesence. But they had a plan and they loved me. I trusted.

To this day, I don’t always fathom where my heavenly Father is taking me. I can’t always perceive his plan, or how my momentary circumstances fit into the larger picture. But, I know he loves me, that He wants the best for me. I trust him.

“Come on, Tom. This way. It’s time.”

“Alright, daddy. I’m coming.”