Life is like...

"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get."         -Forrest Gump

Taken over a year ago on a family vacation. BTW, i LOVE shrimp!

I love that movie. (Forrest Gump is a must see if you haven't already!) There is so much to think about in one two hour film. Parenting, bullies, friendship, schooling, war, social fads, sports, relationships, death, new life and of course love.

When Jeff and I watched it tonight the quote above got me thinking- do really not know what you are going to get? Are our lives simply left to fate and the which chocolate piece we unknowingly pick out of the box?

There is some truth to fate/destiny I think, at least in our not knowing what the future holds. We can't with absolute certainty say that  in 5 years we'll own our own home, or even that tomorrow I will be in class. Of course I plan on being in class and I really do want to be there but things can happen-alarms don't go off, flat tires, traffic, accidents. Life certainly does hold the unexpected and it is silly of us to think that we can control our lives completely. 

It would also be silly to think that we are robots and have no control over our lives. We choose what we wear, where we go, what we say and how we react to life. Our decisions result in consequences, good or bad, and it is our choice which way to go.

It is said that the only things that are certain in life are death and taxes. I can add another thing to that list: God's love and perfect plan are certain. Even though I don't know what I'm gonna get, God does "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) God has a plan for my life. My choices will effect how I get to His final destination, but I'll get there because another thing I am absolutely certain of is my life will end in my entrance into heaven.

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:6)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

"Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and he will help you." (Psalm 37:5)