It’s not unusual to make plans for the coming week. We usually have some kind of agenda to accomplish and setting goals for completing them is usually mapped out at the beginning, but by the end, the road has taken a detour. What do you do when your plans are interrupted? How do you deal with major delays and distractions? Most of us just give up and add those hoped for dreams to next week’s list.

Do you get discouraged by that? Are you disappointed in yourself? Do you wonder why this always happens to you? You’re not alone. We are about to enter a week of turmoil. A National presidential election looms over us. Many have made up our minds, many have already voted, many still can’t decide. There are also those who refuse to vote, because they feel there aren’t any good choices. However, when we fail to vote, we better be prepared to keep our mouths shut when a candidate we might have voted for doesn’t win. This wonderful right that has been granted to every citizen of the country. Not doing it is like spitting on the Constitution. How can we find any joy in that

Later in the week we will celebrate the veterans who bravely served our country – who gave the ultimate sacrifice – who didn’t plan to die but did. These two days come at a time when our country is not only divided, but angry with each other. The election will happen. Someone will be declared the winner. The process will undoubtedly be challenged. All of which is going to create even more division, but it is a right that has been duly given to us and we need to realize how important that is. It’s a gift.

There is nothing we can do about the lost lives in battle except to honor them, respect them, celebrate them and what they’ve done for us. This is another gift. Placing your life on the line for your countrymen is not something we give honor to anymore, but it is a gift of great value.

Jesus is the greatest piece of the equation. Without Him there would be no hope for our fallen race. There would be nothing but eternal death in hell. God’s love for us was so great that He sent His own Son to die for the human race and guarantee a place in heaven for those who follow Him. This is something we can count on for the coming week until our dying day. The gift of salvation is given to us every day that we draw breath. There will be ups and downs. We’ll face problems. Things will not always go smoothly. Our path may be filled with roadblocks and detours, but one thing remains. God loves us. He died for us. He lived again and we will too. He has an amazing plan lined up for the human race. He’s made that possible. That’s something we don’t even have to think about. When we put our trust in God. Instead of beginning the week with a cloud hanging over your head, remember this. Look up! It’s going to be a good week!