It's about that journey?
The one where I feel completely out of control?
The one where I wonder what will become of our children should we plummet to our death?
Yes, that one.
The one with hike-in waterfalls
gorgeous ocean views
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| My husband in front of one of the breathtaking views. |
fresh pineapple juice with real sugar cane
tropical gardens
Seven Sacred Pools
and secluded drive back into the sunset.
But if you don't slow down and enjoy the journey you'll miss it.
Fresh in my mind is a September day three years ago.
It was a day. Spilt milk. Dropped banana bread. Temper tantrum. Train. Late to work. Students not following directions. Worked through lunch. Meeting at conference period. My own tired kids. Grocery store. Walgreens. Busy day. all. day. long.
But something happened that night at the grocery store that helped, even if just a little. The kids were cranky and fighting. Again. The bagger asked if I wanted help to the car--YES.
But he didn't just push the car-cart out to the car. He pretended it was a real car and swerved and added sound effects and spun my kids around. He left my kids begging, "Can we do that again next time?" and wanting to know his name. I was tired and so done, and he made my kids' day. And in doing so he made mine as well.
Sometimes we're so focused on the difficult road in front of us that we miss the views, the waterfalls, and all the other good along the way. We forget about the joy in the journey.
The children's letter verse this week calls out to me from behind its magnet on the refrigerator "Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become pure and blameless, children of God..." (Philippians 2:14-15)
You see, my tendency is to complain. When the kids are here, it's too busy and chaotic. When they're gone, it's too quiet and dull. When my husband tells me he has to work late, my first reaction is one of discontent instead of thankfulness for God's provision. Instead of living in the present moment, I look for something more or different.
When Paul told us to do everything without complaining or arguing, I don't think he said it with the intent of binding us to a religious rule. I think he said it because he knew the bitter pill we swallow when we chose to wallow in discontentment.
Philippians 4:13 is often quoted, but we hear less frequently the verse before it, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." (11-13)
God gives us strength for the journey. Strength to find our contentment in Him and not our circumstances. To thank Him for the good gifts He gives instead of complaining about the struggles. So that we may become blameless and pure, His very own children.
