Reflection by Joanne Wallace, Pastoral Associate at St. Marie’s and St. Bernadette’s and St. Teresa’s, Upholland Pastoral Area
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
When I was a Secondary school English teacher, I often taught ‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck. Naturally, at some point, the title of the book had to be explained; the title refers to the phrase ‘The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry’. This phrase itself is adapted from a line in “To a Mouse,” by Robert Burns: “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft a-gley.” Regardless of the adaptation of the phrase, the sentiment is the same that no matter how carefully a project is planned, something may still go wrong with it.
No doubt, we all had plans for this month, potentially this year, that are on hold or have had to be abandoned for the foreseeable future The uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought to our lives is unsettling and there are sadly many families who have had their lives turned upside down by the loss of a loved one and all the hopes for a future with them in it. It is a reminder that we are not invincible – we do not determine our path, God does.
Although it seems trivial in comparison, even my ‘best-laid plans’ of getting work done at home with 3 children in the house often go awry. I allow myself to get frustrated at the mess in the house, the work that I want to get done but can’t quite get on top of, the dishes that are piling up, the washing that needs doing, the garden that needs doing… When I set myself challenges for the day, but then it doesn’t go as planned, then I can feel like a failure.
However, what I need is a change of perspective. I’m here. I’m well. My family is well. I am in a safe environment and I can still work – even if differently. I need to confide in the Lord more and let Him bring me to where I need to be that day. I need to allow the Lord to establish my steps each day and be thankful for each one.
