You Can Over-Plan These Things

 (Shout out to “The Three Amigos” fans — you know the line!)

All of us at some point have tried to plan something down to the smallest detail, only to have it unravel in the most unexpected way. This story is one of those times.

When my husband and I received our invitation to join our friends' tent at the Steeplechase of Charleston, I went into full-on preparation mode. I had never been before, and I wasn’t about to show up underdressed or uninformed of the expectations of this high-profile, annual equestrian social event of the Lowcountry. Race-day hats, coordinated outfits, the perfect mix of casual yet classy — it all became a personal mission to look the part!

I researched what to wear Pins. I planned. I tried on multiple outfits and even borrowed a few accessories. I arranged for the boys to all be where they needed to be for the day, RSVPed to our hosts, bought our tickets and parking passes, and double-checked everything. By the night before, I had it all planned and I was ready to channel my inner cowgirl-chic with a wool western sport coat, jeans, boots, and a felt Stetson hat that had passed every level of approval — mom, sister, husband, sons, and even a few girlfriends.

Then came race day.

And with it? Eighty-plus degrees and full sun. All day - In mid-November???!!!

Needless to say, the wool coat and hat never made it out of the truck. My perfect outfit plan melted faster than the ice in my mint julep, and I ended up walking across the greenway in ordinary, practical clothes — the very thing I had tried so hard to avoid.

As I looked around at the ladies in their lightweight dresses, feather-adorned straw hats, and sleeveless blouses, I laughed at myself. The only thing I hadn’t planned for… was the weather.

A line from one of my all-time favorite movies, The Three Amigos, popped into my head at just the right time: “You can over-plan these things.”

It’s funny, but also so true.

We can plan, prepare, and organize to our heart’s content, but the truth is, we’re never really in control of the details.

Proverbs reminds us:

“We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.” — Proverbs 16:33 (NLT)

We can only plan as far as our limited perspective allows, but God — in His infinite wisdom — sees the whole picture. The weather, the timing, the people, the purpose — all of it is under His direction.

And as it turns out, the day was wonderful. Our hosts were super fun and welcoming, and we spent hours laughing, swapping stories, and making new friends. The conversations were genuine — the kind that make time slip by unnoticed. The horses were everything you expect - majestic, thrilling, fast. The 'Assembly of the Buglers' gave all the vintage horsefair vibes, and the hats and feathers and boots were a show stopper all on their own! But by the end of the day, I realized it wasn’t my going to be my best laid plans ... or outfit.... that made the event memorable — it was the people.

While this story is a harmless oversight in my planning, it is a reminder that God can use anything to meet you where you are and speak to your heart in a simple truth that can be applied to the more complicated issues! Sometimes, what we see as a curveball is simply God’s way of reminding us that His plans are bigger, better, and beyond what we imagined.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” — Ephesians 3:20

The day at the races gave me an unexpected opportunity to share Jesus with a new friend while enjoying some of the fancier fringe benefits of the horse community and participating in a fabulous Lowcountry tradition with people I dearly love! My beautiful coat may have stayed in the truck, and my Stetson may have been dusted off in vain, but joy doesn’t come from getting every detail right. It comes from focusing on what matters most and trusting that even when things don't go as planned, God’s still in control and has a purpose and plan for you!

..............

I don’t think He minds our planning — He just wants us to hold those plans loosely. Leave room for change and remain flexible. It can be frustrating to stand in the unexpected heat of a moment as you watch your plans fall through. But God's change to our plans is always making room for something amazing that we couldn’t have planned at all.

Scripture reminds us:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) 

It is when I accept this truth that I end up chuckling to myself as I hear God whisper that good Amigo reminder: You can over-plan these things. 


Where in your life might God be asking you to hold your plans a little more loosely and trust Him with the outcome?


Lord, thank You for being patient when I try to plan every detail of my life. Help me to trust that You see what I can’t — and that Your plans are always better than mine. Teach me to hold my expectations loosely and rest in the peace that comes from knowing You are in control. Amen.

Until next time, keep following the Plott, and I will be praying for us all. 💛

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