As a middle-age adult, I can now take pleasure in smiling at those in their twenties who share their life plan. I smile not only at their stupidity, but also because I was once that stupid. I recall 'mapping out' my career goals; which included twenty years in the service, thirty years in teaching and retiring by the age of fifty-five with two retirements. Traveling the United States in an R.V. and writing the great novel would fulfill my golden years. Friends and family to share the adventure!
Thank God for unanswered prayers. An injury in the military resulted in an honorable discharge. Many of my 'buddies' never returned from their tours, or returned unable to live a 'normal life' again. The 'extra-time' it took me to find a teaching job, led to friendships & mentors lasting twenty years... and still counting. Surviving life's heartaches and encounters with bullies in the workplace provided the strength to move forward and take a chance on 'unplanned destinations'.
Thank God for 'unplanned destinations'. All those detours I cursed in my 'know it all' stage, has led me to the here & now. Here I am accepting the things I cannot change, knowing something better will come from it. The now finds me not waiting for my 'golden years' to travel, write and follow my passions.
My 'life plan' did not come to fruition, but my life did.
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