For I know the plans I have for you … to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

My daughter assigns her college-level poetry students this icebreaker on the first day of class: Write a free-verse poem, each part beginning with “I am from ….” Recall the street you grew up on — the music, smells, foods. Recall people, activities, expressions. Try it! It’s interesting what appears in the mind’s eye: “I am from a street paved with cinders and tar that softened in summer and captured our footprints.” “I am from orange-colored corduroy pants.”

How have those little puzzle pieces of your life led to the hope and future God planned for you? The joyful memories, the difficult and tragic ones — all fit together in a life designed by our Maker, one we could never have imagined. And He has more plans for us, all leading to that eternal future and hope with Him.

Sally Beck
Williamsburg, VA

Dear God, help me see the ups and downs of my life as all parts of Your plan. Thank You. Amen.

Reflect: Try an “I am from …” poem and share it with a family member or friend.

Read: Luke 12:32 and Philippians 4:6-7