Embracing the Unexpected

When God Laughs at Your Plans: Embracing the Unexpected

If you had asked me a year ago what my plan was for August, when my littlest babe heads off to start his academic journey, I would have confidently told you: “I’m going back to work, full-time.”

I was set on it. I was doing the steps to ensure that that plan, would come into fruition. Whether it was in a full-time substitute teaching position, returning to a medical office where I had once thrived, or even working from home for a large medical company (more on that later- such a life changing opportunity)... those were my plans. It made sense. That’s what people expected.

Everyone had their opinions:

- "But what will your kids think if you're not working full-time?"

- "How will it look, if you stay home while your husband continues to works 40 hours a week, supporting your whole family?"

I felt the weight of those questions. I felt the pressure to meet societal expectations of what it meant to be a successful mom and wife—juggling both career and family, all while looking like I had it “together.”

But here’s the thing: God laughs at your plans.

When it came down to it, after many honest conversations with my husband, my family, and my best girlfriends, I realized something important: the plan I had wasn’t the right plan for me, anymore- at least not right now. And that was okay. I decided to embrace the side quests—those unexpected paths that seemed to fall in front of me, like little signs guiding me to exactly where I needed to be.

It wasn’t about following the typical route that I had envisioned for myself, or living up to the expectations of others. It was about deciding what truly matters to me: my family, my time with my boys, and the flexibility to be there for them.

So, here’s the reality: I’m thrilled with the path I’ve chosen. The joy of being able to be present for those random sick days, school ceremonies, or even spontaneous field trips makes me feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I want my boys to know that, without question, Mama will always be there for them.

Now, before anyone gets too crazy with the “Oh, Kelleen, stop bragging” stuff, let me be clear—I know how lucky I am. I know not everyone has the opportunity to work in a per-diem capacity while still being a full-time mom. Trust me, I get it. But that doesn’t change the fact that this is what works for us, and I’m going to own that.

Because here’s the truth: No matter what you choose, there will always be someone with an opinion. 

And frankly, unless you’re the one feeding me, pleasing me, or supporting me, then your opinion doesn’t carry the weight it once did.

What matters most is what works for me and my family.

And right now, this is what works.

In the end, our plans might not always align with what we expect or what others think we should be doing, but the beauty lies in how we adapt. It’s in choosing to follow the path that truly feels right, even if it’s not the one we had originally envisioned.

So, here’s to trusting God’s sense of humor, letting go of the “shoulds,” and embracing the life that’s unfolding right in front of us. It might not be what we planned, but sometimes the detours lead to the most beautiful places.

What’s the lesson here?

Don’t be afraid to rewrite your plan.

It’s your journey. Only you get to decide what makes it meaningful.

XX, Kelleen