I heard the most interesting analogy the other day on EWTN radio about God seeing the big picture whereas we see only our little part of it. I know that God sees the big picture, but it was presented in such an interesting way, that I just really resonated with me. Apparently this is a true story, but since I am probably getting some of the details wrong, I won't use real names.
There was a baseball player in the major leagues. A real powerhouse, big hitter, big base stealer, big star, popular with the fans. His coach had a rule for the players: do not steal a base unless I give you the signal.
Well, the superstar gets a base hit. He's there on first base and thinks he's feeling quick, he's familiar enough with the pitcher, he can steal second. But he's not getting the signal from his coach. He decides to go for it anyway, and makes it safely to second base. He's feeling pretty good about himself. At the end of the inning, the coach calls him aside. The coach is polite about it but basically tells him that he didn't give him the signal to steal second and goes on to explain the reason. Next in the lineup was another power hitter, probably comparable to the superstar player. But because the superstar stole second, first base was empty, and the pitcher intentionally walked that next batter. The coach had wanted that batter to get a chance to hit, thinking that he might be able to drive in at least one run, possibly two. But because the superstar had stolen second, the next batter didn't get a chance to hit. After him were two batters that weren't as strong. They both struck out, which ended the inning. No runs were scored. The team wasn't able to capitalize on the superstar's base hit because he had stolen second base without permission. And it affected the lineup for the rest of the game. The superstar had only seen his part, but the coach had seen the whole picture.
The player knew his ability. He knew he was fast and would likely be able to get to second base off that pitcher. And he was right. He could do it, and he did it. But there was more at stake than him getting to second base. He took matters into his own hands, and frustrated the coach's plan. And the good thing that could have happened, didn't happen.
That one really got to me. I'm no base runner (I'm slow as molasses), but I am competent in other ways. But how many times am I cocky in my abilities? How many times do I "frustrate" God's plans when I take matters into my own hands? How many times does God have to work around me rather than through me? How many times do I act and prevent others from doing something better? How many times am I just plain unaware of what is going on around me and jump to conclusions? How many times do I get grumpy when things don't go according to my plan because they are working ultimately as part of God's plan that I just can't see yet?
Definitely stuff to ponder there. This isn't to say I'm just going to sit on the sofa eating bonbons waiting for things to happen around me, but I definitely think I need to chew on this one a while longer.
I praise God for always seeing the big picture and for always having the perfect plan.