A while back, I wrote a blog post on pre-travel anticipation. (Go read that first, if you haven’t already.)

And now, I want to add to it.

The other day while reading this John Piper devotional, it hit me that the even greater key to living for today and not living for future travels is resting in the peace that my next trips aren’t promised. If I’m truly giving every trip to God—which I strive to do—then I must believe the possibility that the next trip I plan won’t happen. No matter what I have booked or how detailed my itinerary is prior to leaving, God’s plan is bigger. And BETTER. And, if for any reason I’m not supposed to go, all the plans and the details do not matter. God’s will be done, not mine.

Friends, I think I live this out. I honestly think this is the main reason I stopped anticipating trips the crazy way I used to. BUT. I’m not perfect. I have days where it’s all about my life. My plans. Days when I just assume things will happen, and forget that NO future plans are ever guaranteed. So, I’m writing this to keep my heart in check. To remind myself to include “If the Lord wills” before my thoughts about ANYTHING I put on my calendar. Especially trips.

I don’t mean for that to sound depressing. I don’t live in a constant state of “will I or won’t I go” limbo. I’m actually living in freedom. Yes, freedom! You see, I can still enjoy the planning and the possibility of future trips, but do so with contentment, knowing that I’m only guaranteed this very moment right now. That God knows the future, so I don’t need to. That whatever happens in an hour… tomorrow… next week… HE is my ultimate joy. My plans can be A joy, but never THE joy.

Joyful at home (at the time this was written) — Sarasota, FL

So now, I have this strange but lovely peace regarding travel in general. My heart is calm as I live out each day until I travel again. Or, regardless of whether I travel again.

Bayfront // Sarasota, FL

Because, until something actually happens in life, there’s always the possibility that it won’t. And, when God’s in charge—I’m okay with that!

My next trip… my next adventure… will happen IF GOD WILLS.

Proverbs 16:3 & 9

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”