Today is Columbus Day — a day set aside to celebrate explorer Christopher Columbus’s epic landing on the Americas Oct. 12, 1492. If you live in the United States, it’s generally observed on the first Monday in October. 

Whether your view of the historic event is favorable or not (it heralded centuries of clashing cultures), the holiday still serves as a reminder for us to celebrate the spirit of exploration and discovery, of the will of the human spirit to reach out beyond our sphere of knowledge and safety and push into new frontiers.

It’s the same spirit of discovery shown by Michaella Saucedo, a mother in the Buckner Family Pathways program in Midland, Texas. She’s not only rediscovering the dreams she had as a younger mom, she’s reaching out to make them happen. 
Her age of discovery almost didn’t happen, though. Sitting in a shelter for abused women was never in her plans. Yet that’s exactly where Michaella found herself, her young daughter and soon-to-be-born son.

“I had big dreams,” she said. “I wanted to be in the Peace Corps. I wanted to help others. I wanted to have my own business. Life just gets in the way. Things happen. Me and my kids hit rock bottom. I just kept thinking there has to be something.”

She learned about the Buckner Family Pathways program, which is designed to help single parents strengthen their families and reduce barriers, such as lack of education and life skills, to achieve self-sufficiency. Buckner provides families affordable housing and child care so they can achieve their vocational and educational goals. 

Michaella is on schedule to earn her associate degree in May. After that, she plans to work on her bachelor’s degree. One day, she hopes to own a day care. She cares deeply about children and wants to see them succeed.

Are you in a place where you want to discover — or rediscover — something about yourself? What about discovering God’s will and plan for your life? Rest assured, he does have a plan for your life. 

“‘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

Deeper reflection:

• Do you have a good grasp on God’s will and direction in your life?
• What can you do to better discover what his will is for you?

Next steps:

To help you discover God’s will in your life, it’s important to:

• Pray, asking him to show you the plans he has for you.
• Read the Bible for the truths he shares with you.
• Listen to him for direction.