In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9
It’s a beautiful day today with perfect temperatures and a gorgeous blue sky. The boys had an activity planned for in a state park about an hour away. I had two choices…go with them or stay at home. In my mind I saw a dark, shady area where we’d be digging in the dirt or I’d be standing watching them while dealing with allergies (since pollen is at its highest today) and swatting at bugs.
My other choice was to stay at home with a fire going and get some things accomplished that I’d been looking forward to doing. I could sit at the picnic table working while the sunlight warmed my face. If the allergies got bad, I could head inside and sit in the light coming through the window which would still allow me to get that work done as I refreshed and renewed.
I gave the boys my two options and it was an easy decision on their part. I should go with them! I was thrilled that they wanted me along, but it might be a bit of a long day. Was I leaving my paradise for the jungles of the wild to be eaten alive by bugs with my eyes watering so bad I couldn’t see…all the while digging dirt? Hmm…
As I walked away, I had a decision to make. Get excited to be with my family because I was so privileged that they wanted me with them or set some preconceived notions of how it would turn out. No matter what, there was a fantastic opportunity to bond with them in an area they enjoy. It had the possibility of a memory making day. I could choose to focus on what wasn’t going to be, or I could get excited about what was to be.
I got my mind straight, took some allergy medicine, and off we went. We had a beautiful ride that allowed us to just be together and talk. It was amazing to get back to the area that I have such wonderful memories of. The park was in the general vicinity where I used to go as I was growing up and swore I’d live when I got older. We even have memories of taking the boys there since they were little.
We made it to the activity area and sprayed ourselves down with bug spray. The boys were off! It was terrific to see them go straight to work helping get everything ready. I couldn’t be of much use right then, so I just chatted with one of the nicest park rangers I’ve ever met. After they got their area set up, I asked if they were ready for me.
My youngest answered, “Nope, we got it.”
Instead of being bummed, I started to get even more excited! Let me get this straight…they wanted me to come with them, but I can enjoy the wonders of the park at the same time? No problem, I would head up the road, find me a peaceful and sunny spot. Then, I’d be back at lunchtime to have a picnic lunch with them. Perfect! I left the hubby and the boys to find myself a bathroom (too much juice this morning) and get on with enjoying the weather.
I found wonderful picnic tables in the sun where I now sit as I’m smiling at the butterflies that don’t seem to stop fluttering by. It’s peaceful and quiet with wonderful sunshine wrapping around me like a hug. I’m watching dragonflies and the towering trees whose leaves are gently swaying in the breeze. I have my own music of nature with the birds chirping away. This is so much better than if I stayed home!
I have all that I wished for from today and more. My allergies are just fine and the bugs have decided to leave me alone. I’m ready to dig into some of the work that I so badly wanted to get accomplished. It doesn’t even feel like work, more like opportunity.
The real life experience was so much better than the picture in my head of my day at home. I’m so glad I didn’t let my thoughts get in the way of God’s present to me. He gave me an area that couldn’t be competed with and a renewing of my mind that probably wouldn’t have happened if I stayed at home. Thank God for my boys still wanting their mom with them, yet still having the independence to accomplish things on their own.
The next time you start to feel a grumble bubble up inside, rely on God to make every experience perfect for you…for what you need…right now.
