God Only Has Plan A

Despite having poor eyesight and health, James Whistler was admitted to the highly selective US Military Academy at West Point in the mid-1800s through several family connections. His family hoped that West Point would set him along a successful career path as a military officer. However, Whistler’s grades were mediocre, he refused to adhere to strict disciplinary expectations, and he resisted authority. It wasn’t long before he was dismissed from the academy.

West Point had taught Whistler some drawing and map making skills, which he combined with natural artistic ability to land a job as a draftsman mapping the US coastline. But this work soon bored him and he quit that job.

After these false starts, James Whistler decided to devote his life, education, and career to painting, which had always been his first love. Whistler eventually became a celebrated painter and one of the key figures of the tonalist style, which emphasizes dark, natural colors, like gray, brown, and black. His best known painting, often known as Whistler’s Mother, is a good example of the style.

Life often has twists and turns, and seldom works out as we expect. Life brings its share of disappointments, poor decisions, and closed doors, but also triumphs, celebrations, and opportunities. We may be tempted to ask ourselves, “What went wrong?” But it’s important for us to see God’s presence in the midst of unanticipated circumstances. Maybe we didn’t see life coming, but nothing is a surprise for God. Maybe you’re now on Plan B, or C, or D for your life, but from God’s perspective, it’s all Plan A!

Blessings,
Pastor Paul Cook