Secret Plans.

I might have a trick up my sleeve. It's not entirely a secret. The people closest to me are well aware of something I'd like to accomplish in the near future. 

But for now it will remain nameless, or perhaps I should give it a code name. 

Rabbit Trail: In high school I pretty much nicknamed everything and everyone. There was a crush named "Spike," also fondly remembered as "Visor Boy." There was a friend's crush named "Phil Tony System." There was my car named "Buzz," to be later replaced by "Ferguson," and my current car, "Percival Webber Honda." There was a particular van I named "Clifford, the BIG red van." That was one of my finer moments. Our hangout spot was cleverly named "The Spot." There are many more, but these are basically the most embarrassing that I'll share for now. Maybe even more embarrassing is the method of my nicknaming. That I'll probably never divulge publicly. So please don't ask.

Back to my secret plan. Let's call it "Operation Get Tiffany A Life." No. Too long. Maybe we can abbreviate. "OGTAL." Whatever. 

It's going to remain a public secret until I talk to my parents. I know, I'm 24 years old, I shouldn't have to run everything by my parents. I'm 24, but I don't have a job and I live at home and if it wasn't for them, I'd be homeless or dead. Plus I like doing things with their support. Plus this plan requires a bit more than their moral support, if you catch my drift. 

This plan would jump start an idea I've been considering for a month or so. Initially the plan was to commence in early spring, with a friend I like to call "Mega Bucks." But OGTAL would start a bit sooner, say... this fall. It would require some money, a passport, and a few suitcases. Plus a sharp memory and an even sharper tongue. It would allow me to cross off an item on my life's to-do list. 

I've spent the past few weeks beating the pros and cons to death. (I'd like to issue an apology to Megan, who has had the burden of participating in those conversations, against her will I'm sure.) I've calculated and made sample budgets. I've made calendars and even 21-month life plans. (You can laugh at me if you want, it's ok.) To help finance this endeavor, I've even considered looking for "secondary employment," even though I technically don't even have a primary job yet. (It's coming, one of these days!) The execution of this plan would greatly influence future job prospects, ministry opportunities, and basically personal satisfaction that a 6-year goal would finally come to fruition. 

With all things considered, even the pending conversation with my parents, I know that God knows the ultimate plan. He has since before I was born. I find great comfort in that promise, though at times it is hard to fully rest in that knowledge. I am finding that once again this time of my life is a reflection of God's will and timing, and not mine. 

So, as I am toying with the idea of my own secret plan, I have to consider another secret plan: God's. It may or may not include my plan, but experience tells me that His plan is always better than mine. 

And somehow, it always brings be back to the place where I started: not knowing. 

...LIFE!