For I know the plans I have for you ...

Jeremiah 29:11

Unlike my husband, who knew as a child that he wanted to attend West Point and become an Army officer, joining the military was never on my radar.

I intended to study English literature and be Professor Naegele. I found out my third year of college that God intended for me to work in medical research labs. I would have never found my convoluted path there otherwise! Still, the military was not on my radar.

But God knew that a tour in the military would be good for this naive, small-town Kansas girl. I needed to hone my values in accordance with his Word. I needed to own my faith instead of relying on my family. I needed to better tune my radar to his guiding frequency and follow wherever it led.

I am thankful that God gave me the opportunity to serve.

Gayle Jones
Highlands Ranch, CO

Father, thank you for the times you lead us on convoluted paths so that we learn to rely fully on you. Amen.

Reflect: Think about your convoluted paths and thank God for them.

Read: Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:13