David Daniel could not believe the sum of his career could be contained in two small cardboard boxes. When one reached the ultimate goal of retirement, the feeling should be success, not the feeling of being a complete failure. By the world's standards, he had it all, a big house, a bigger bank account, cars, vacation homes, everything by which society measured success. So, why did he feel like such a failure? He had done everything he was supposed to. He had followed the plan that he and his deceased wife had laid out to the letter. Getting here was the goal, the finish line, but now that he was here, it didn't feel like the achievement he thought it would. He felt empty, like something was missing. Now that his plan had been completed, all the boxes checked, now what? He definitely hadn't planned on this.
Regina Langston was a big believer in following the Lord's guidance. He had guided her years ago to open an art gallery in her hometown of Hope Springs, Missouri. And, he had recently guided her to sell it. It had been her and her high school sweetheart, Nathan's dream to bring some culture to their small community. But as they headed off to college in Kansas City, Nathan was drafted in the Vietnam war, where he was killed in the line of duty.
As she locked the door to the gallery for the last time before the new owner took over, she took a deep breath and couldn't help to feel that the Lord was going to open another door for her. She was ready for the next chapter in her life. But she was also content with what God had given her. She was blessed and grateful, but the feeling that something good was about to happen, gave her new hope in whatever came next. She had not planned anything beyond this point, but she would always welcome being a part of God's Plan!
