Just because it’s not part of the plan, maybe uncomfortable, or even a little painful, doesn’t mean it's wrong.

It all started with a phone call at 11:45 p.m. on a Saturday night.

Joe, our 18-year-old, was driving home from Dallas where he’d been visiting a “friend.” I’d been asleep since 10 when Jennifer shook my shoulder.

“Joe needs to talk to you.”

His car was acting strange, and he was worried that continuing to drive might cause serious damage, or worse yet, leave him stranded in a less-than-ideal place. I told him to pull over at the nearest safe exit. I’d meet up with him.

I pulled myself out of bed at midnight and proceeded to drive 35 minutes south into the dark unknown.

On the way, I got to think. Not about the problem, but why I wasn’t frustrated about my diverted plan to get some good rest that evening. I didn’t waste energy asking why this had to happen to me. My only feeling was how fortunate I was to get to help my son.

When I arrived, things weren’t as bad as they could have been. We limped the car home without incident. I was back in bed by 2 a.m., grateful, and not before Joe thanked me repeatedly for showing up.

At 4:45 a.m., my smartwatch buzzed. Time to get up.

I had promised Luke, our 13-year-old, I’d take him deer hunting that morning. Our ride would be there shortly, and I still needed warmer clothes, a quick bite, and to confirm licenses.

The next few hours were spent getting to our destination and setting up our equipment and position in a blind the size of a modest closet. It was cold and dark. I was anxious for Luke. He wanted this, badly. But I knew the reality was that we may walk away with nothing to show. 

By noon, we were heading home with a beautiful eight-point buck…Luke’s biggest yet. He was beaming, expressing his gratitude over and over again with hugs and smiles. I knew he appreciated both my help, and our neighbor who opted to be our guide.

We made it home for a late lunch with our family. As we sat at the table, football played in the background as we retold the night’s car trouble and the morning’s hunt.

By 5 p.m., I was on my way to coach Eli’s basketball practice. He’s 11, and we recently extended practice from one hour to two. The extra reps are paying off. We also normally stay late so he can improve specific skills.

That evening, and after practice, more kids filtered into the house. Friends of our oldest kids, all hungry and rummaging through the fridge and pantry. I squeezed in a shower, and sat down to prepare my schedule for Monday and the week.

As I leaned back in a recliner, I reflected on the day and asked myself a surprising question:

Why wasn’t I exhausted?

I’d slept only a few hours. Diagnosed a car issue at midnight. Sat in a cold deer stand at dawn. Coached a group of 11 year olds on a full court press.   I had “shown up” all day, yet I still had some energy.

I believe this to be the case: God doesn’t place us in spaces He doesn’t intend us to be. There’s peace in that truth. And when we accept it, emotional stress, frustration and “second-guessing” lose the upper hand. 

Just because it’s not part of the plan, maybe uncomfortable, or perhaps even a little painful, doesn’t mean it's wrong.

So much energy is burned worrying about what ifs.

Instead, ask yourself: Is this true? Is it helpful? Is it just? Does it serve the people around me well? Is there a healthy lesson to take away?

Do I feel gratitude—even awe—while doing it?

If the answer is yes, lean in.

Late that night, and after explaining my day to one of Joe’s friends, he asked me, “Aren’t you tired?”

I responded, “Strangely enough, not really.”

I looked around and saw kids who were safe and healthy. I know others that are facing far heavier challenges…and ones they never asked for. Even then, those paths are not accidental.

The next time you find yourself in a frustrating or demanding situation, consider this: maybe this is exactly where you’re meant to be right now.

Take a breath. Lean in. Remain encouraged,

Brian