ON recent journeys by train and by car I’ve encountered delays. Each delay was between 30 minutes and two hours. I found myself getting anxious despite the situation being completely out of my control. The train noticeboards and the Sat Nav gave updated expected times of arrival and there was nothing I could do as the time ticked by.

One of the delays didn’t matter as I wasn’t required to arrive at my destination at a certain time, but the train delay meant I missed two connections and had to make new arrangements.

I’m sure you’ve all experienced delays of varying lengths no matter whether you are travelling by aeroplane, train or car. Perhaps you don’t worry about this and accept there’s nothing you can do, or may be like me you want to know why it’s happened and what the implications are.

Throughout our lives things don’t always go to plan – not only with our journeys but with so many other things. Perhaps career choices don’t work out, health concerns impact day to day living and future dreams, and we are forced to make changes.

As a Christian, I believe that God has a plan for me, even when I can’t see it clearly. In the book of Jeremiah in the Bible it says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV translation) These plans might not always be the plans I had in mind and it’s up to me whether I continue trying to follow my plans or the plans that God has for me. May you know God’s plan for you as you journey today, and as we journey through Advent towards Christmas.

Rev Dr Tracey Darling

Skipton and Grassington Methodist Circuit