Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, ‘Everyone is looking for you.’ // Mark 1:35-36

5:30 a.m. on a midwinter morning is as dark as midnight, but I forced myself to get up anyway. Carefully inching away from the warm, soft, soundly sleeping toddler next to me, I slid my feet into my fuzzy slippers and snuck soundlessly out of the room and down the stairs. I made myself a cup of coffee and sat down on the couch, ready to spend a few quiet moments with the Lord. I opened my Bible to read.

Pitter patter pitter pat.

Overhead came the unmistakable sound of fleece-pajama-clad feet followed by a soft, “Mama? I couldn’t find you!”

Most of us are not called to live a hermit’s life. Most of our lives will be filled with our best intentions and plans being interrupted—dare I say ruined?—by the better plans of God. Our Good Father uses friends, spouses, children, colleagues, and even strangers to break down our selfishness and use us to accomplish His will, if we will only cooperate with Him.

Does this mean that we shouldn’t make plans or that it’s pointless to even try? Of course not! This is the beauty of our co-creative, cooperative life with God. We make our plans, through prayer and discernment, and then we offer them to God, just as Jesus did.

At this time of year, you might have new goals and dreams, hopes for change, and intentions about how your life will go. Don’t forget to offer them first to the God Who has created you for a purpose. Be willing to pivot if things don’t go according to plan. Allow Him to use the people and circumstances in your life to reveal the role you are to play in His Kingdom.