What And Why?
Today I am writing from thousands of miles in the sky as this plane makes its way to Seattle, Washington. I am scrunched between my husband and another gentleman. Not the most comfortable position for a five-hour trip. Underneath my feet are all the books, notes and journals that I thought I might need while in flight. Smile! Biscotti cookies are sufficing for lunch and ear buds are drowning out most of the distractions.
Preparing for travel is not a favorite for me especially when warmer clothes are still shoved in the back of an upstairs closet desperately needing freshening up and ironing. The checklist for a two-week trip seemed endless. Shopping, bills to be paid, house shut down, dog sitter in place, ministry needs covered. On several occasions I stared weariness and panic in the face and had thoughts like: “What were we thinking?”
On top of all this, my little Shih Tzu got vaccinations yesterday and was acting very strange when I got home last night. This did not lead to peace of leaving him with a new neighbor friend. And if this wasn’t enough, around 10:00 last night we were searching for the source of the strong awkward smell sending up red flags that something was not right somewhere. Last of all, as we were quickly jumping out of the car at the airport, gathering all of our bags I reached back to take a book bag from my husband at the same time that he pushed the tailgate down onto my head.
For the fifth time he asked, “Are you sure we are supposed to go on this trip?”
“Absolutely! The enemy is against us to steal our peace and joy.” During this week of preparation and constant battling all that was coming against me, I had to stop, pause and remember the What and Why? What are you preparing for and why? The what is we are flying to Seattle to visit our kids and grandkids for a few days and then driving to Vancouver for a week of fun, sightseeing and play.
The why is, Ed and I are celebrating 25 amazing years of marriage and it is definitely to be celebrated in a special way. Not because the etiquette books say so, but because God took two broken people and two shattered families and worked it all for good. It is time to pause from endless ministry calls and never ending calls for an emergency handyman and celebrate the love God has given us.
So, was it worth it? Was it worth the rush, irritation, and weariness. Absolutely! I can already say yes before it ever begins.
This is life! There are always responsibilities, deadlines, frustrations and troubles. Life is filled with all kinds of troubles, but we have to put our focus on the what and why. A quick pause to set our hearts and minds on Jesus.
“Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." -Col. 31-4
The what is God growing us and conforming us to His image and the why is one day we will appear with Him in glory. One day all of the schemes of the enemy will be over and we will be found standing firm, fully dressed in His armor.
“Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.”
-James 1:2-4