I think I threw out my plan when I got pregnant at 18.  It was about then that I realized God had a plan for me that wasn't even CLOSE to what I thought it would be.  At 44, I'm divorced, remarried, have 3 adult children, a 14 yr old stepson, 3 beautiful grandchildren, and have started over at LEAST 5 times in my life.  Yep, life is good.... 

Life never does turn out the way we expect!
Romantically, I'd say I'm ahead of my timeline. But love happens when it happens. I expected all of this to be happening several more years down the road... maybe after grad school... but it's wonderful.

Spiritually.... I take it day by day. I never really  thought about having expectations for myself spiritually, but I guess I did. I guess God is more real in my life than I expected, which is awesome! Still, I'm not doing things quite the way I expected. I pray more throughout the day than I did a few years ago, but I spend less scheduled time with God.  One major thing was that I hoped God would lead me to the right person, and like I said, that happened sooner than I thought, but it has turned out very well.

Professionally, right on schedule! Meaning: Doing well in college, in a major I felt that God led me to, with steady job and flexible plans for the future.

Everything might change completely at any time. I'm trying to do what God wants, but it's up to Him.

I always thought I'd marry straight out of college, but now that I've been graduated for three months with no husband in sight, I've had to reevaluate my plans. I guess I don't have much of a plan anymore, just enjoying my current job and keeping an eye out for any adventures along the way.  I've also had to realize that I can live life fully with or without a man, and that's a good conclusion to come to.

If I were behind schedule, I'd be insane.  I didn't really have a clear picture of how things were "going" to work, but here's how they did:

I try to refrain from making exact schedules or timelines, as it is very unlikely that things turn out the way you want them to. It actually saves me a lot of stress. I do make plans though, but only with rough timeslines. I would say I am quite happy where i stand at the moment and looking forward to the future.

I don't have a plan.  I just deal with things as they come and hope for the best.  You can't plan for everything so I figured why have plans that are just going to get screwed up anyway.  I go with the flow and deal with things when I need to.

definitely behind my original schedule, but am kind of glad about it now.  the older i get, the more i realize i still have a LOT to learn about life.

i'm far ahead.  i'm considering the possibility that i've already met-- and lost-- the love of my life.  now, my focus has shifted to more important things like my career and education.

I have never had a specific timeline.  I just always felt behind - the scourge of perfectionism.  A short while back I decided that our Father was sufficiently in control for me to consider myself right where I need to be in all things.  He is my Mentor and I His apprentice.  My job is solely to attend to Him.  Everything else is up to Him.

I never look at my life in that way; I take things as they come. So I feel like I'm exactly where I should be at this point, haha.

You know there have been times in my life, when I have looked back to see how different my life has been.

I originally thought I would go to college, Juliard, become a great photographer and live in NYC.  I would travel the world take pictures of things which inspired people. The ideal job would be with National Geographic. 

I would never get married, but live my life.  I would have parties and be the socilite(sp?) everyone wanted to hang with.

In reality, my parents refused to pay for my college, so I was forced to find a job at 19.  I worked odd jobs, just to keep food on the table. 

I met my future husband at 21.  Married him at the age of 25.  At the age of 31, I had son. 

Worked a company as a technical writer for almost 12 years.  When my son was about 15 months old, I found the Lord, with my husband.  We were baptized on March 31, 1999. 

When my son turned three, God encouraged me to stay home. I did until my son went to school.  I went back to work as a Mother's Day Out teacher.  This job paid very litle, but was enough to make my car payment.  This was something I was not use to.

When my son headed to first grade, I decided to return to college.  I am still working on my degree and work full time in the school district. 

What is so strange is when I was in high school, they gave us a test to see which jobs would be best for us.  Here is the list of the best fitting jobs for me....

Big Company- Will be loyal if company is loyal and will work for 20 to 30 years.

Military- Will retired from Military.

Special Ed. - Will be loyal if company is loyal and will work for 20 to 30 years.

Here is what is even funnier...I worked for a company for almost 12 years, when God called me to stay home.  I was originally planning on staying with them until I retired. 25 years.

Second, when I was 19, I looked into joining the Navy; however, my eyesight took its toll on me and I was not going to be able to pursue the career I wanted with the military.

Third, I now work in the school district.  Guess which department?? Yep, that 's right, special ed.  I love my job!  I am so happy. 

I guess those tests are pretty accurate! LOL

God knows the plans for you.  They are to prosper you, not harm you.  Are you willing to follow Him?  Sometimes it may not be the best paying job, abundance of money, but it keeps the roof over your head and food in stomach and clothes on your back.  But more importantly it is the job, He wants you to do!

Have a blessed day! 

I guess I'm on the other end......I've got no clue what to do with my life...no real plans for the future.  Granted, I'm still in highschool.  With so many people pushing me to find what I want to do, it got a little stressful and worrisome.  Somehow, one day, my mind just went "you know what, this is pointless.  God's obviously got it all planned out.  There's nothing to worry about 'cause He's in control."  So, I guess one could say I'm just on time.