My family recently had a week off for spring break. We had intended to go camping, but there were no campgrounds open yet and the weather was calling for rain mid-week. I decided to come up with a list of family activities and try to do one or two a day. I couldn’t tell my kids what the activities were ahead of time or when we might be doing them, because my kids are those set-in-stone type of people that can’t deviate from a plan, (don’t know where they get that!) My idea worked fairly well, the children enjoyed the surprise of ice cream on Monday and s’mores later that evening. The thing I saw as the week went on though, was that it was hard to convince them to stop one fun activity so we could do a different one.
We tried to explain it to them: my oldest told a younger sibling that it is like being at Disneyland and the next day not being able to be at Disneyland again because you get to go to Lego Land. It started me thinking about God and all the things He has in store for us. I knew all the fun things I had planned for my kids, but I couldn’t tell them, I just needed them to trust that I had their best interests at heart. I know we are familiar with Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” These words are so true! God has so much planned for me, and like my kids, there are times I can’t let go of what I see in front of me right now in order for Him to give me something even better.
Later, when I look back at a surprise God has given me, I can imagine Him being excited, having a hard time waiting until the time was right for me to have it. He delights to give us good gifts, fun times even, just as I love to surprise my children and see the looks of delight on their faces.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
Thanks Christy! I’m always happy to remember it’s Friday and I get to read your blog! ❤️
Amen. Need this
I’ve really been enjoying your blog posts.
Thank you!
This truth of God’s character, I have held on to throughout our adoption process. In the long waiting, I know that His best is so much better than I can fathom. A rich, rich gift we will find in trusting His perfect timing and goodness. Thank you, Christy for this beautiful reminder today.
Whenever I look back at God’s timing in something I am just amazed at how perfect it always is.
Recently I reached a personal goal that brought a literal smile of delight to my face. Immediately I felt God’s pleasure in mine. I had a strong sense of his Fatherly love for me.
Also recently I realized that he is bringing another desire of my heart to pass from almost 40 years ago! As a young believer I wanted to have a bible study for women and now I have one. I thank God for His good gifts and His perfect timing.
Thank you Christy for your transparency, I too see myself in my children’s traits; and my grandchildren’s. What a delight!
It is exciting to hear about the Bible study! It is neat to see God fulfill something like that even after 40 years. That is a common theme in the Bible, people having to wait a very long time for God’s perfect timing!