My Shattered Plans

Vivian Smith – Shenandoah National Park, Summer 2024

“At the beginning of the summer, the day before I was planning to arrive in Shenandoah National Park, I became very sick. I ended up with pneumonia and was over two weeks late to the start of my season. During those two weeks, I could not do much but think, and it really felt like my meticulously arranged plans of the summer had just shattered at my feet. To top it all off, when I arrived in Shenandoah, I found out that my teammates would not be arriving or staying for the summer. I felt crushed because I wanted to design God’s will and plan for the summer.

Yes, my plans did shatter, and they were not the way I expected them to go, but God’s plans were fulfilled. He did not need my blueprints to do a great work in me and the other people in the park, He merely wanted a trusting heart and willing hands. With my previous expectations and plans now at my feet, my hands were open to do what He had always intended. He continued to reveal this lesson to me throughout the summer.

Throughout the summer, there were many opportunities where I was able to experience and more fully understand the mission of ACMNP, but the more mundane or commonplace examples were the most powerful to me. There was a big need for coffee among the employees, and I was able to make and give coffee to my coworkers all summer with a smile and asking nothing in return. As simple as that was, it communicated the message of unconditional love that Jesus teaches us. It was a way for me to practically love my neighbor that opened up so many Christ-centered conversations and opportunities to more fully understand the stories of these new friends.

Planning intentional activities with other individuals on the mountain also had a huge impact on the ministry this summer. One example of this was during a hike with friends who spoke only Spanish. We had not talked much of faith because of the language barrier, but in response to a beautiful scene and stunning sky, we both expressed the same awe and gratitude: “Wow, God, your creation is beautiful!” and “Gracias Dios, para un Cielo hermoso!” The language barrier was broken in that moment, and we rejoiced in a shared Father, Creator, and faith. This breakthrough led to many more conversations and time spent pouring over God’s Word.

All the plans I had for the summer were shattered. This perfect vase I had crafted of all my expectations for this season lay in pieces on the floor. But this wasn’t my summer, it was God’s summer. He picked up those broken pieces to make something even more beautiful. It was far better than I could have planned on my own.”

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