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| Little did we know when we started planning for our 10th Prom Closet season... |
Are you surprised by the new post? Good! Because it has taken me a while to write this blog and find the right words. But today is the day!!
The last couple of days Facebook memories have popped up on my news feed. They all have been pictures of us setting up, decorating, playing, videos, kind words from others about special needs prom, and more.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." Isaiah 55:8
This Bible verse should be familiar to most of us! I have used this one many, many times to describe the way we started the prom closet 10 years ago. From the way I thought the Prom Closet was finished that first year, to packing and heading to South Carolina for a mission trip, to the way we serve families, to hosting a special needs prom, and to many other things God has brought up that I clearly said “NO” to.
But He just doesn't listen to me. Or it could be that I am the one not listening? (We may never know.) He has shown me that my thoughts were not even close to His bigger picture. Fast forward to today and the Pandemic crisis. Like most people I did not see this one coming!! Who did right?
A few months ago when we all came together for the Prom Project it was mind-blowing to see how He brought the community together and used the Prom Closet to show His love and care on such a large scale. I will admit I was nervous and anxious about it all.
We all got to experience God differently that day.
When the event was over and everything was done all I could think of was “are we done? Is that it?” The gym was clean, there were no dresses, fitting rooms, or volunteers around. As I stood there alone I thought that the next time the Prom Squad shows up in the gym we will be decorating for our 10-year anniversary prom…
I did not see this one coming! Did you?
My plan, my thoughts, and my ideas were not even close to what God had in mind as our 10th prom season came to an end.
Through all of these trying times - the hardships, the joy, the uncertainty, the quarantine, and all the emotions - I am glad God is in control. In 10 years of this amazing ministry, He has taught me that His plan is higher than mine, His thoughts are higher than mine, and I know that I am thankful I serve a God like that.
I know that everyone has experienced God in different ways. He has taught us at the Prom Closet constantly for the past 10 years and has been giving each of us huge lessons along the way. The challenge for all of us is to not forget those lessons when the journey gets tougher.
I miss you all so much!
And I am glad I did not see this one coming. Aren’t you?
Blessings,
Aileen
