Many are the plans in a man's heart...

But His decree will prevail.

Friday:
I was bummed because I had no plans of my own.
He was elated, and took the time to draw me up the mountain behind our school to see from above the eagles circling the city that indeed He is enthroned above the circle of the earth, and be reminded that indeed its inhabitants are like grasshoppers.

Saturday:
I was frustrated with a cell phone conveniently running out of money.
He was ecstatic, and sent four primary school age Muslim children trundling after me, straining my Chinese language abilities to the breaking point and offering me their melting popsicles from their grubby, outstretched hands. All to assure me that unless you are changed and become like children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven...

I was grimly trapped in a restaurant because of a sudden, ferocious sandstorm.
He was free, and felt compelled to use that moment to grant me the opportunity to encourage one another and build each other up, as well as meet an unbelieving colleague.

I was late coming home after some failed attempts to find an open Nepali store.
He was right on time, and I got to spend the evening with my two closest co-teachers catching up on our long winter breaks apart and understanding more and more that no one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket...

Monday:
I was delayed after class and rushing to a lunch appointment.
He was calm, allowing events to pile up in such a way that I could meet my new neighbor, exchange a few words, and beg Him for another chance to make the most of the time because the days are evil.

I was forced out of a dinner and subsequently late for a meeting.
He was totally satisfied, having sent a group of students knocking at my door bearing plastic bags of assorted bread products, dried yak meat and cheese, nuts, fruits, and an obviously hand-patted sack of yak butter. I was full too, knowing that my food is to do the will of Him who sent me.

I was disappointed from a long-awaited, twice-interrupted phone call from a friend.
He was joyful, and arranged for a small gathering at my apartment during which I had the chance to meet two volunteer teachers at this school and marvel again and again that His decree will, in fact, prevail.

Many are the plans in my own heart... but really, His are better by far.