Have you ever had one of those experiences where something you were planning on falls through, but then it ends up being for the better? You planned and prepared, putting time and effort into every last detail and then poof...with as a little as a phone call, the whole thing is called off. Never happened to you? How about the morning you got up extra early so you wouldn't be late to work, but then forgot your office keys and had to turn around and go back. Maybe you were stuck in traffic and missing a presentation, minute by minute...getting more and more upset over things you can't control. It's frustrating, no doubt, but I'm writing this today to let you know that it doesn't have to be. In fact, I would go as far as to say, you might end up being thankful for those moments.

Skeptical? Read on.

As believers, we trust in God. It is a learned skill that like all others, needs some refreshing every now and then. We think we're in control of our own lives, fighting the good fight when really, we're just swinging aimlessly as he directs us towards our next target. We're just swinging aimlessly as he directs us towards our next target. Every step, every thought, every mistake all happens for a reason. As cliche as it may sound, it's all part of his plan. Even in those moments where we want to pull our hair out, yelling and asking God why things keep falling through...it's in those moments that we have to really instill that trust, let go and know that there is a greater purpose for what is happening around us. Because that morning you had to go back and get your keys, you saved your house from burning down when you noticed that in your rush you'd left the oven on. And that traffic jam you were cursing just saved you from being in the gruesome wreck three blocks ahead.

Kind of eye opening, isn't it?

We can never really know why things happen the way they do until it's all said and done and we get a chance to look back, really connect the circumstances and how things could have been altered if just one little thing had gone differently. I'm sure everyone can relate to situations like that. Just typing the words reminds me of my first day of highschool. Now this story may not be a severe as some of the examples I referrenced before but never the less, the principle remains. I was new, as per usual, incredibly timid, and had a knack for being hated by all the girls in school. But as scared as I was to brave highschool without a single friend, I was still excited enough to pack my bag and double check that I had everything on my list. Needless to say, in the whims of my excitement I had forgotten my pencil case with all my pens in it. I was devastated. But at least I had to talk to someone to ask for a pen, in which they handed me a hot pink gel roller and a click pencil. Lovely, I hated pink. There went any chance I had at the good impression I had planned on making with my teachers.

After a brief welcome from our teacher she instructed us to get out something to write with. I glared at the hot pink gel roller on my desk and dreaded even putting my fingers on it until the voice behind me asked the room for something to write with. That hot pink pen flew over my right shoulder faster than she could finish her question. I cringed at what her response would be until I heard what followed her gasp, "Omg, I LOVE hot pink! This pen is AWESOME! Girl, what's your name?"  We introduced ourselves and were instantly inseparable.

So after 12 of years of sharing, caring and a lot of lip gloss, Anna and I are STILL best friends. To this day, I thank God for that hot pink pen, and the Freshman who gave it to me, and forgetting to bring my pencil case to the first day of school.

I hope writing this has helped someone see the positive in a "negative" situation. Next time you're feeling frustrated at one of life's little blunders, stay calm, trust in God and think of all the wonderful possibilities that could come of it. Who knows, you may meet your best friend for life.

Coach Jenna Dawn

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* Individual results may vary.