Last week, Joan and I were wondering around southern Belize. We realized we were enjoying our tropical environment while our first grandson was having his 16th birthday back home. What could we get him from Belize that he would enjoy? Since he likes sharp things, we decided to get a machete. However, we were riding an express public bus. There would not be time to find one with the 10-minute stop at the next station. So, I told the conductor what we were needing. He spoke with the driver and I was told they would drop me off at a hardware store and pick me up on the way out of town.
Jumping off the bus, I entered the store. Their big machetes were very cool. So, that is what bought for my grandson. I figured he would really like it. After the purchase, I asked where the restroom was. I went in and securely locked the door. However, when I attempted to exit, the door handle wasn’t working. So, I used my new “little” knife and pried the stopper open.
The bus picked me up and we were happily on our way. When we were walking to the Belize Zoo from the highway, I compared the size of the machete with our largest suitcase. The blade was too long! We wouldn’t be able to get it home on the airplane. We ended up giving it away to the lady who worked at our hotel that night. We came home with only a picture of our gift that was only used to get me out of a locked room in a third-world country.
Our plans were somewhat crushed. When we came home, I showed my grandson the picture. He was quite impressed. I told him why I couldn’t bring it to him. He understood. Then, I gave him a machete I picked up in The Philippines back in 1999. It has a wicked looking blade with a carved carabao horn for the handle. I’ve kept this jewel tucked away from my prying sons and grandsons for 27 years. My eldest grandson seemed very pleased.
Our plans often need adjusting. Fortunately, God has plans that don’t need adjusting. My favorite text for this is Jeremiah 29:11,
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
God’s plans for us are better than a machete from Belize or The Philippines. These are eternal plans we will enjoy for the ceaseless ages to come!