Life Plans vs. Life Paths

          There were only three kids in our family, all raised by the same parents in the same environment. Our parents were members of the LDS church but quit going early in my childhood. We were raised "quasi-mormon", if you will; completely aware of the church and its teachings, sometimes attending meetings or youth activities, forced to go to seminary (our version of bible study for high schoolers), but never totally participating.

        The other day I was contemplating how differently and completely unexpected everyone's lives turn out, even (or especially) people from the same family, the same upbringing. 

         Today, I am married, in the church, with four children. My next oldest sibling has had his troubles with drugs and occasionally law enforcement, but now has a steady girlfriend, a baby, and one on the way and wants a relationship with God, just not in the LDS church. The youngest sibling has only ever had one girlfriend, joined the Navy, and became distant from the rest of the family, physically and emotionally, as a result.

        I was contemplating our life differences because I was feeling that while I am dedicated to the LDS church, and base most of my life  decisions on spiritual feelings, it seems that everyone else gets the house, the job, the perfect number of children (usually 2 or less), the traveling to far away countries etc, by not following the spirit.

 .   It seemed to me that people around me had a life plan of their own and were sticking to it.

 Meanwhile, I occasionally feel trapped, because my life's path seems to be following anything but my previous life plan. I feel sometimes like my life is restricted. I'm not talking about going wild. I have no desire to smoke, drink alcohol or coffee, sleep around or any of that, but I was feeling that feeling everyone has at some point: "life isn't fair".

      Then I had the following inspiration:

Anyone can work toward their life plan, 

but I work toward the life plan God has for me. 

      In the end, the rewards will be greater. My life hasn't been what I expected of it, but it is more worthwhile because it's what God planned for me.

      As I strive to stay close to God, I have peace knowing that I am where I'm supposed to be (I even have peace amidst terrible things).

 .    I have greater happiness knowing that I am in good standing with Him because I try to follow His plan, not mine (mine was so overdone by a million people anyway ;)

      So, the next time you're feeling down about where your life has taken you, just remember, the peace you get from following God's guidance for you far outweighs having the "perfect" life. Strive to figure out what He wants for you, then strive to do it.