A few weeks ago, I flew out to see my sister in the US.
The purpose was clear - to have a fun break, and spend some quality time together.
The plan for the trip was pretty loose. We had a few ideas - setting up her classroom for the new school year, some favourite places to go - but nothing set.
Which, as it turns out, was a very good thing…
Because Hurricane Beryl changed her course and brought more than the forecast rain and wind to Houston. A lot more.
It was a huge learning experience in what to do when the power goes out, and how to accept what is and work out what’s possible.
The trip was nothing like expected:
We didn’t do some of the things we thought we might.
We did do some of the things we thought we might, just not at the time or location or temperature that we would have.
We did do some completely different things - including a last-minute trip to Austin.
There were ups, downs, challenges, pivots and multiple changes of plan.
Despite all of this, I loved the trip. It was completely on purpose.
We had fun, we learned a lot about each other, we have many memorable moments to look back on.
And I newly appreciate both how much we rely on power to live our lives, and the energy, generosity and resourcefulness of my sister and brother-in-law.
We can create a plan, but plans can and do change, and we’re often not as in control of them as we think.
With a purpose, the way we get there might be completely different than expected, yet we can still end up in the right place.
Because who knows what might happen, and what you’ll learn along the way.
Wishing you all a purposeful week,
