The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men

Our title is a phrase adapted from the poem, “To a Mouse,” by Robert Burns. The poem actually says, "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men.”  It is about his plowing a field and accidentally turning over and ruining the nest of a small field mouse at a time of year when it's impossible for the mouse to rebuild. Burns tries to reassure the frightened mouse that he meant no harm.

This proverbial expression is simply telling about the futility of making detailed plans when the outcome is uncertain. A Christian’s plans, especially, are always subject to change and disruption by the outside intervention of God. To be sure, whenever Divine interference occurs, it is not almost, but always, for our good, and God’s glory. But how tragic it is when so many of us get upset when God sees fit to upset our plans.

God does everything after the pleasure of His own will, and what pleases Him should please His children. But alas, how many of us are quick to pity ourselves, rather than praise Him. We pride ourselves with our hindsight, but lack little, if any, foresight, when it relates to the eternal plan of God. God doesn’t mind us planning, just as long as we are willing to give ours up for His. “Not my plan, but thy plan be done.”