Good morning, friends!
If you're reading this Saturday morning, there's a pretty good chance I'm either sitting in an airport, on an airplane, or wondering what I forgot to pack! (and realizing one thing was my handy dandy travel scales 😒) We've been getting ready for a trip to Texas, and let me tell you, I've put some thought into this trip. I've checked the weather, planned outfits, and tried to figure out what to wear when it's chilly in Illinois but warm when we land in Texas. I've even spent entirely too much time wondering whether 69 degrees is warm enough to go parasailing! And now all of the sudden, they are calling for rain on Monday in South Padre Island, so that may be out all together.
You would think with all that preparation, I'd have everything under control. But anyone who has traveled much knows you can plan everything perfectly and still have something go wrong. Flights get delayed, weather changes, and sometimes the GPS takes you somewhere you never intended to go. Isn't life a lot like that? We make plans, set goals, and fill our calendars with work, family activities, vacations, and holiday preparations. Then life happens, and sometimes we find ourselves traveling a road we never would have chosen.
Earlier this year, when my mom died unexpectedly in a car accident, I was reminded just how quickly life can change. There was no preparing for that journey, no checklist, and certainly no way to rearrange my schedule and make everything right again. I know many of you have faced unexpected journeys of your own, whether it's illness, financial struggles, grief, or uncertainty about the future.
That's why I love Psalm 121. In verse 2, the psalmist says, “My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” Our help doesn't come from having everything figured out or knowing exactly what tomorrow holds. It comes from knowing the One who holds tomorrow.
God Doesn't Promise an Easy Road
Psalm 121 reminds us that God watches over His people, but that doesn't mean Christians won't experience hardship, loss, or disappointment. Sometimes we pray, trust, and do everything we know to do, and life still takes an unexpected turn. God's faithfulness isn't measured by how smoothly our plans work out.
In Deuteronomy 31:8, Moses reminded the Israelites that the Lord would go before them and would not forsake them. They were preparing to enter unfamiliar territory, and they needed to remember they weren't going alone. I think we need that reminder, too. God is with us when life is exciting and full of possibilities, but He's also with us in hospital waiting rooms, during difficult conversations, and in those quiet moments when we're missing someone we love. We may not always understand the journey, but we can trust that God hasn't abandoned us along the way.
What Are You Carrying?
Now, let's talk about baggage! And I'm not talking about whether the airline is going to charge me for another suitcase! I'm talking about the things we carry around that nobody else can see. Worry, fear, guilt, expectations, and that feeling that we're responsible for making everything work out for everybody.
With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, it's easy to add even more to that load. We want the perfect family gathering, the perfect gifts, the perfect decorations, and somehow enough time and money to make it all happen. If you're anything like me, you can spend an awful lot of time worrying about things that haven't even happened yet!
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. He doesn't tell us to get everything finished first, and I'm especially thankful for that because I don't know that I'd ever make it! He invites us to come to Him right where we are. Maybe this holiday season, instead of trying to carry more, we need to learn to lay a few things down. Not our responsibilities, but the worry that comes from believing everything depends on us.
Don't Miss the Journey
One thing I've been thinking about lately is how often we find ourselves just trying to get through something. If I can just get through this workweek, get through Thanksgiving, get everything ready for Christmas, or make it to vacation, then maybe I can finally relax. But before we know it, we're so focused on the next destination that we're missing some of the blessings along the way.
I'm guilty of that myself. I can get so caught up in everything that needs to be done that I forget to enjoy what's happening right in front of me. Sometimes the best moments aren't the ones we've planned. They're the conversations with friends, the laughter around the dinner table, or the unexpected kindness of someone who crosses our path.
Not every day is going to be wonderful, and some seasons are genuinely difficult. But even during those times, we can look for reminders of God's love and opportunities to share that love with others. As Thanksgiving approaches, we don't have to wait until Thanksgiving Day to be thankful, and we certainly don't have to wait until Christmas morning to celebrate the gift of Christ.
A Thought for This Week
As I finish getting ready for Texas, I'm sure I'll check my suitcase one more time, and I'll probably check the weather again, too! But there's something I want to remember, whether I'm traveling across the country or simply going through another busy day at home. I don't have to have the entire journey figured out to trust the One who goes with me.
Maybe you're looking forward to something wonderful, or maybe you're facing something difficult. Maybe the approaching holidays bring excitement and joy, or maybe they bring a little sadness because someone you love won't be sitting at the table this year. Whatever season you're in, I hope you'll remember that God is with you.
Make your plans, enjoy your family, and do the work God has given you to do, but don't get so caught up in reaching the destination that you forget to appreciate the journey. After all, the greatest comfort isn't knowing exactly where every road will lead. It's knowing Who is walking beside us.
Let's Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for being with us through every season of life. We make plans, but we know that life doesn't always go the way we expect. Help us trust You when the road ahead is uncertain. Give comfort to those who are grieving, peace to those who are worried, and strength to those who are overwhelmed.
As we approach the busy holiday season, help us slow down enough to recognize Your blessings and appreciate the people You've placed in our lives. Teach us to prepare without worrying, serve without losing our joy, and rest without guilt. Most of all, remind us that wherever life takes us, we never have to face it without You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Until next time, stay faithful, stay encouraged, and remember: God goes with you! ❤️
Comments
Post a Comment