Finding the Light When the Plans Fall Through

It’s funny how life works, isn't it? One minute you’re planning the perfect summer trip, the next, the whole itinerary gets scrapped. One moment you’re enjoying the simple rhythm of family life, and the next, you’re dealing with something heavy—a loss, a change, a sudden shift in the atmosphere.

I was watching this little compilation of family moments the other day, and it hit me how quickly plans can dissolve. We hear about the grand, sweeping plans—the MTC, the mission calls, the big assignments—but sometimes, the most profound lessons happen when the structure around us falls away. We lose the trip, we lose the pet, we lose the expected routine, and suddenly, we’re forced to breathe, really breathe, and look at what’s right in front of us.

It reminded me so much of what we’re called to do in our discipleship journey. We plan for the mission, we study for the temple, we anticipate the next conference, but the real work—the work of the Spirit—doesn't wait for the perfect circumstances. It meets us right where we are, even when things feel shaky.

When the external scaffolding of our lives—the fun trips, the predictable routines—is removed, what remains? What do we cling to? For me, it’s the quiet moments of connection, the ability to pause, and the simple act of remembering that our worth isn't tied to a schedule or a destination.

This video, for me, was a potent reminder that grief, change, and disruption are just opportunities for deep focus. When the big plans cancel, you have to focus on the small miracles: the little hands, the immediate needs, the ability to wiggle an eyeball and find joy in the present moment. That’s the mindset we need to carry into our efforts to share the gospel.

As we all strive to be better disciples—to be more Christlike in our everyday interactions—remember that the Spirit often speaks in the small details. It’s not always in the grand pronouncements or the major assignments; sometimes it’s in the quiet conversation, the willingness to sit with someone through their uncertainty, or the simple act of bearing testimony when it feels awkward or inconvenient.

If you’re feeling the pressure of the 'next big thing'—the next mission, the next testimony meeting—I encourage you to take a breath. Look around your own life, your own sphere of influence, and ask yourself: What small act of service or kindness can I do *right now*? What scripture passage can I ponder today that will help me anchor myself when the currents get rough?

Speaking of anchoring, I was reviewing some materials the other day, and it brought up the power of focused study. If you’re looking for a way to anchor your own understanding of the restored gospel, I highly recommend revisiting the foundational principles in the Iron Rod. It’s such a wonderful resource for keeping our focus sharp, whether you’re in the MTC, serving in a stake center, or just doing your morning devotionals.

For those who are feeling the call to deepen their personal study, I’d love to invite you to join our next HolyPlaces Book Club. We're diving into some powerful passages that speak directly to finding peace amidst uncertainty. It’s a wonderful, low-pressure way to connect with other disciples who are eager to keep the Spirit alive!

Keep pressing forward, brothers and sisters. We are the rogue disciples, and our strength comes not from perfect plans, but from persistent faith. I know you can do this!