Best Laid Plans

You’ve no doubt heard the quote from the Scottish poet Robert Burns – “The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft a-gley.” Translation: “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

You’ve heard it. And you’ve lived it, right? All of us have made plans that went “awry”, that didn’t work out the way we had hoped or intended – the rained-out picnic, the job that didn’t live up to expectations; the project that failed; the sale you thought was a sure thing; the relationship that soured; the investment that went south. And with those circumstances of crushed plans, hopes, and dreams come disappointment, frustration, sadness, anger, and sometimes a sense of personal failure. In spite of your planning, whenever something doesn’t work as you expected, you feel those emotions. No matter if the failed plan is a result of your own doing or of circumstances over which you have no control, you feel let down, deflated, discouraged.

Last week my husband and I had planned to leave on a two-week cruise to celebrate our anniversary. Our plans included traveling with our long-time friends who married three weeks before we did. The four of us had so looked forward to this trip. What a great way to celebrate – in foreign places with friends, food, and fun.

The arrangements were made, the details in place, the trip paid in full. And then…my husband unexpectedly had to have back surgery. So much for “best-laid plans”. Instead of cruising this week, we’re recovering. I say “we” because we’re both involved in the healing process. Disappointed? Yes. Frustrated? Yes. Sad? Yes. And, at the same times, there are blessings.

To name a few…

With the help of a friend, Ken was able to quickly get in to see the surgeon of our choice.
He didn’t have to endure the pain by having to wait weeks on end for surgery to be scheduled.
We had purchased trip insurance. (Always a good idea.)
Post-surgery, he’s been showered with the kindness, love, and support of family and friends.
While at times exhausting, caring for him has been a blessing for me. It has allowed me to show him genuine love – the kind that comes with that business about “for better, for worse”, “in sickness and in health”.

Recently I read that when those best-laid plans go awry — and they will – you should simply shrug your shoulders and say, “Oh, well”. And then get busy making more plans.