Ever had a plan not go as expected? Yeah, me too. In fact, my family and I are living this reality right now.
After twelve years of being in the same house, we decided for several reasons that it was time to make a move. So, last fall we starting taking steps to get our house ready to sell. After decluttering, painting, and finally fixing those pesky issues we’ve been ignoring for months (okay, maybe years), we listed our house for sale. And yes, we then began to love our house more than ever! That’s how it goes, right?
We still decided to move forward with selling our house. Our house sold quicker than expected. So now what? Well, things haven’t gone as planned.
The Plan
We had a plan: Sell our house then quickly (and conveniently) move into the next house we’ll love for another twelve years at least. Many of us have a plan, right? The infamous boxer Mike Tyson had something to say about this: “Everyone has a plan ‘till they get punched in the mouth.” Pretty straightforward, you think?
I am a planner by personality…and trade. Heck, “planning” is in our business name. It’s what we do! Does that mean we develop the perfect plans without a hitch? Obviously, no. We often say the only 100% guarantee is that the financial plan will not go 100% as planned. Expect the unexpected: Family illness or premature death, job loss, market under-performance, etc. These are all things we plan for but don’t know exactly how these things will look for each client.
So, does that mean don’t plan at all? I’d say not.
The Response
How do you handle a plan gone awry? I will be honest (otherwise, my wife will call me out). Generally I don’t handle it well. I complain or stonewall. I may even sulk. Just when I get irritated reading and hearing about the Israelites wandering after being freed from slavery, I realize – I. am. them.
So, what might be a better response? Perhaps focusing on the things we can control: Voicing our frustration and anger in a healthy way; being thankful that we are not in control; trusting that there is a better plan ahead…much better than my own.
The Peace
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[b] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.”
There is a plan for each and every one of us. We just don’t know (and won’t know) what it fully is on this side of eternity.
What can we do? Find peace in the fact that we are not in control. Rest easy that there is a plan for good, not harm, for those that trust in Him, our heavenly Father.
So, how am I now handling this time of uncertainty with housing? Honestly, I’m finding peace. We’re calling it a “family adventure!” The kids are onboard. Who doesn’t want adventure! (Well, me, sometimes…but ready or not, this one has begun).
If you’re looking for a financial professional to partner with on your next adventure, we’re on-board. Give us a call.