Remember–It’s a Gift, Folks

My mother in law was turning 70. To celebrate, she offered to take us on an African safari. David hesitated as he asked me if I wanted to go…knowing most likely my answer would be no. Which it was-initially. But then I remembered I had Kristine…and I trusted her implicitly. Over the course of a few days I realized what an opportunity it was to spend a few days with just our oldest children experiencing the trip of a lifetime with their grandparents. I’d be a fool not to go.

But as the day of our departure drew near, a pit began to widen in my stomach. Every time I fed baby Verity, every hug from Trinity, and each passing glance from Glory made me more anxious. I had never left the children before…and I had to keep reminding myself– THIS TRIP WAS A GIFT! A blessing! Dropped into our laps just a few short weeks after David had said it was his dream to take the children on Safari. Why was I such a wreck?

Then I remembered…we have an enemy that comes to steal, kill and destroy our joys, our dreams, our opportunities. And I wondered, how many times has god given us a gift that we have become anxious, fearful, and stressed out over? All the while our loving heavenly Father looks down and thinks, “Kiddo, lighten up! This is a present, a treasure I am sharing with you, JUST ENJOY!”

A new job. A promotion. A CHILD. Every one of these is a gift, and yet we manage to turn these blessings into ulcers.

So today, I am flying to South Africa. Heart anticipating, stomach backflipping. I kissed my babies goodbye at 4am and tried not to cry walking out the door. All the while repeating to myself that this trip is a gift. I know once I get there I will enjoy it, and the memories will be precious and lifelong. But for today, evaluate how many blessings God has given you that the enemy has turned into burdens, anxieties, and troubles. And remind yourself that these things, these people, your children, your spouse, or your job are incredible blessings…opportunities…not banes and obligations. Soon that weight will be banished and joy will return.