Proverbs 16:9 says: In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
Yesterday, I planned out my course-- to go on an adventure with one of my greatest friends. What better way to celebrate finals being over, right? We weren't quite sure where we we were headed, and we didn't really have a concrete plan, but I think that was the best part. Being raised to plan out a schedule, and follow it, spontaneity doesn't exactly come naturally to me; my flesh chooses to fight against it. But the beautiful part of not planning, is that from the absence of our merely human plans, we leave room for God to lead us, and to take us on a journey much greater than we could have ever thought up-- and I learned that solely from Him. Yesterday's adventure was the most perfect depiction of letting God take over, and allowing Him to show me places I could never find without Him.
This grand adventure began today around 12:30; I'd completed the short 30 minute drive from Clemson to Easley to meet my friend, so we could set off for a day of whimsy. Now, this friend, Brianna, is a special one. She's the kind that takes you on a cheese dip date just because you really feel like eating queso instead of studying, and the kind that so thoughtfully burns CDs that she knows I'll love (obviously she gets my love language), the kind that teaches me to not limit what the Lord can do in and through me, and the perfect road trip companion.
My favorite quote ever, from Love Does, is, "You know what it is about someone that makes them a friend? A friend doesn't just say things. A friend does." And she surely embodies that.
We started off our day with coffee: first thing's first. She took me to the cutest coffee shop in Easley, called Coyote Coffee. As soon as I caught a glimpse of the inside, I knew it had to be a special place, where many Jesus dates have been had, sweet moments shared, and friendships begun.
Soon after coffee, we set off for a destination I was most excited about: Pretty Place! This is a chapel in mountains, right outside of Greenville, where many go to spend time with the Lord. Needless to say, I was so ready to get there. But the car ride there was just as wonderful-- filled with Rend Collective Experiment's Campfire album, and intentional, life-giving conversation, two of my favorite things.
After the hour long trek to Pretty Place, we pulled in to find that we had the chapel all to ourselves! I loved that time we got to just take in our surroundings, and take comfort in the fact that, just as we were enthralled by the beauty of the mountains, the Lord is even more enthralled with our beauty. We sat at the cross, humbled by what it means. We talked about how in awe we are over the fact that we are the Lord's bride. We took pictures, just merely attempting to capture the view, so that others may see it too. And the best part: I brought my guitar and we got to worship the Lord so freely, on the top of a mountain. I thought it couldn't get any greater, but God had different plans in mind.
Around the time we were about to leave, two girls showed up to Pretty Place. We said hello and introduced ourselves, and then agreed to take pictures for each other. All the while, the four of us got to know each other a little better. Before Brianna and I departed, she asked them if there was anything we could pray for them about-- the Lord sure had a plan in this. Both of the girls were carrying some pretty big burdens; it was our joy to get to lift those up to God, who holds us in His hands.
The next stop on our adventure was this adorable place called Pumpkintown Opry-- a little antique shop (which was unfortunately closed), and a quaint little restaurant too. It was just a short visit, and another excuse to get some coffee, but so cool nonetheless, and Brianna got to show off her photography skills too!
Now, as we sat in the car contemplating on what to do next, Brianna's eyes lit up. Obviously our journey had another part to it, and I was up for going to wherever she had in mind. Once she told me, I immediately put the car in drive and we were on our way again-- this time to Brevard, NC to Carolina Point, the newest YoungLife camp! As we drove through the winding, mountainous roads, Movements by Rend Collective Experiment was belted out at the top of our lungs. Our drive was timed just perfectly to make it a little before sunset, and I could hardly contain my excitement.
What I haven't told you about this trip yet, is just the best part: we didn't use a GPS, or a map, or anything. That, for me, is a big deal. I get lost even with a GPS on just about every long car ride I go on. It takes a whole lot of trust for me to not type in an address and be led there by some electronic device. But Brianna is luckily very good with directions, and assured me that a GPS would make our adventure a whole lot less cool. And you know what? She was right.
When we were almost to Carolina Point, we reached a fork in the road. Do we go right? Or left? I looked at Brianna for guidance, and she also was unsure of which way to go. We chose to go right, that led farther up the mountain. Sounds logical, right? So we drove on for probably five more minutes when we reached a dead end and a parking lot. The most special part about this though: there was an overlook, just newly built, with a view of the entire mountain range! We jumped out of the car to take in this view, and later found out that we ended up near the top of Mt. Sassafras-- the tallest point in SC! If we would've used a GPS, we never would have experienced the beautiful view God created for us to see. Sometimes we can't find these places on our own. We need guidance, and that's where the Lord comes in.
Now, we did finally make it to Carolina Point, which was just as sweet as expected. The camp was so quiet and peaceful; campers were coming in later, but no one was to be found when we got there. Brianna and I just sat in the stillness, next to the waterfall, picking rocks and watching the sun go down, reflecting on the unforgettable, "Love Does", day we'd just had.
I didn't just get some cool pictures and sweet memories out of yesterday's adventure. Nor did I just merely have some ordinary fun with a friend. I let the Lord open up my heart, and I opened up my hands, palms facing up, giving my desire to plan to God. Only through Him was I able to just go along for the ride. What we plan out usually doesn't measure up to our Father's plans for us. He wants to show us the hidden overlooks. He wants us to encounter new friends and jump at the opportunity to show Jesus' love to others. He wants us to be "whimsical" and live in fellowship with each other. He also wants us to forget about the stresses of our daily lives sometimes, and just get up and go, because adventure is out there, just waiting for us to chase after it.
