The Plan

See, God has a plan. And it's a very intricate and intensive one. One that lasts for decades, centuries, and millennia. That's a long time. So don't even bother checking your calendar, you won't be busy.

But there seems to be some confusion in the community about how that plan actually unfolds. I'd like to clear up a few things that I believe from the bottom of my heart. Namely, how free will separates us from other species.

Interestingly, most creatures operate mainly by faith. Faith there will be a meal to eat, faith there will be shelter to seek, and faith that there's a reason to live. We call these instincts, and they are always active and looking to identify options for your survival.

Humans on the other hand. Ugh. What despicable creatures. They harvest all the available resources, destroy the environment to build shopping malls and factories, and commit violence against innocent people. Since the beginning of time it's basically been the same. Someone wakes up one day and says "You know, I think I'd like to have more things." Maybe the caveman just wanted a place to sleep, eat, and protect his family. But even then, if there was something he wanted from someone else, he would take it by force.

God knows you won't always make the right decision to help execute His plan. There's a bunch of bumps in the road and He knows this. He put them there. In all of His infinite wisdom, it's so he can toughen you up for the final frontier. Not space. The future of civilization. Looking straight ahead seems as easy as ever when you think of it like this.

There's a whole lot of diverging paths too. A plethora of them. Some lead off into places that don't exist yet. Some lead down trails that have been blazed for centuries. It's just a matter of instance. In a moment you make a decision and that leads you to your next choice. Or maybe, just this once, every decision you could make leads right back to where you were supposed to be. Just because you're looking ahead doesn't mean you'll be walking in a straight line. And that is the synopsis of How I Met Your Mother.

Free will isn't really free. You have to pay for it. There are consequences and prices to be paid. But, other people pay your dues for you sometimes. That's the balance. That's how it all works. There are right ways and wrong ways and God will allow you to try as many paths as you see fit as long as the price is paid. That payment will help keep everything on schedule. With a few allowable delays of course.

Oh shoot! I think the check engine light on this train just came on. I'll go check in with Jesus and see if there's anything I can do to move things along. We do have someplace to be one day after all.