Trust the Process

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9, NLT).

Choosing clinical site rotations is one of the most exciting things a graduate student has the opportunity to do. Physical therapy school at the University of Kentucky was, and is, no different. 

Deemed “Decision Day”, our class chose to dress up in jerseys of our favorite athletes, there were snacks, drinks, and a whole lot of excitement. The order of selection is pre-determined, and your girl here got 60. Dead last in the whole class! Ha. 

It all worked out when I was able to select a sports medicine clinic in Indianapolis where I would have the opportunity to work directly with high level athletes. I was super excited! Although the actual clinical rotation was a year away, I couldn’t wait for the time to arrive.

Fast forward 10 months and I get an email from my clinical coordinator letting me know my clinical rotation had been canceled. Though disappointed, I knew I had to trust the Lord.

Only 5 weeks away from the scheduled beginning of my last rotation as a PT student, and having no idea where I would end up, I was left scrambling trying to figure out details and logistics that had already been determined based on my original plan. Proverbs 16:9, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps,” I was learning the truth of this Scripture in real time. 

Numerous phone calls and emails later, I was given the opportunity to complete my last 10 week rotation at an outpatient clinic in Nicholasville, KY. Prior to this rotation, I don’t know that I had ever spent any significant amount of time in this city.

Admittedly, a change in plans doesn't always turn out to be better than we expected. But in this case, even though it wasn’t something I would have chosen at the moment, the Lord was taking me on an unexpected ride. 

Fast forward 13 years, and I’ve been working for this outpatient clinic my entire career. It’s the only full-time professional job I’ve ever had. It wasn’t part of my original plan, but it’s been one of the biggest blessings of my life as the community of Nicholasville has become an ingrained part of the journey Jesus has taken me on as I have grown, healed, and matured in my faith. 

Who I am today is far beyond who I ever imagined I would become. And let me assure you, that has nothing to do with me, but everything to do with Jesus. I want to encourage you today, no matter where you are on your journey, to trust Jesus and walk with Him. Not just for the purpose of salvation, but in order to become more and more like Jesus. 

Let’s talk more about that next week, but until then, commit Proverbs 16:9 to memory, and remember to trust in Jesus.