Have you ever struck on an idea that seemed quite brilliant … in the moment? “Surely,” you think, “This is one of my best ideas — ever!” You tell everyone who shows any interest (and some who don’t) all about it.
Inevitably, perhaps much later, you realize you’ve actually got to do this thing. But this idea is a real stretch. It seems you’ve set yourself up.
A stretch goal, by definition, is at least as difficult as it is beneficial. Everyone knows you’ve committed, you silly goose. There’s no backing out now.
Sound familiar? Same.
This week we’re launching the first of the promised “big trips for big kids.” Two ten-year old grandboys, plus one “GiGi,” and one “Pops,” hauling a forty-three foot fifth-wheel. Nine states, eight campgrounds, and a pile of places of interest. Three weeks, thirty-five hundred miles, and three national parks, if all goes according to plan.
Our route is quite familiar, having criss-crossed much of eastern U.S.A. these past few years. Even so, plenty could go wrong. You see how this GiGi’s brain works?
Excessive heat. Wildfires. Tornadoes. Injury. Illness. Wild winds. Flash floods. Venomous snakes. Impossible delays on long driving days. We can’t possibly cover every contingency for the precious cargo we carry. Left to my own devices, I easily spiral into a whirlpool of anxiety.
At one point, in the depths of planning, the array of potential peril began to overwhelm me. I considered for a hot minute or two if there was any way out. Just as quickly, I rejected that low, limbic thought; not my best thinking!
I’m so grateful my next thoughts went higher.
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
God’s Word never fails to lift our gaze. Chin up, friend. Hope is on high. Help is near!
Immediately, my brain began the ascent, reviewing what I know to be true:
I am not a slave to fear; I am a child of God.
He is my rock and refuge; my salvation and stronghold.
He is a ready help in times of trouble.
He will never leave or forsake me — or my family.
My God is good. He is able.
He is my strength and my song; I will trust in HIm.
<deep breath…>
Earlier this month, we took our four grandgirls for a week of RVing in the Adirondacks. Their destination was a familiar and favorite RV park, four hours distant. We all knew what we were getting into, eh? Even so, there were concerns.
A few days before we left, the almost-eight-year old confided, “I’m worried I’m going to miss my mom.” My heart was tender for her sweet admission. We talked about how it’s okay to miss the people we love. That it doesn’t mean something bad will happen to them — or to us. How soon enough, we’ll be reunited. In the meantime, we’re reminded of how much we love them.
She nodded hesitantly, somewhat reassured. Then I said, “But when we get lonesome — and we will — we’ll take our sad feelings to God. He is our Comforter and Helper.”
She broke a broad smile. “I knew you’d say that, GiGi. I knew you’d say we’d talk to God. That’s what you say about everything!”
It was as if I’d thrown her a lifebuoy; she grabbed hold gladly. I smiled, too. “That’s because Jesus is the answer — to everything!” In my heart of hearts, at the very core of my being, I know this to be true.
The day of departure for our epic RV roadtrip with the grandboys draws near. I feel as if I’m swaddled in peace. No worries; no fear. Just plenty of gratitude. It’s marvelous to realize the inner, healing work of the past few years is paying off. The dividends of renewal are powerful and real.
As Christ-followers, we are to take off the old and put on the new — adopting His mindset.* God’s thoughts are higher; His ways are better. In this, we’re released from the rip tides of anxiety.
It takes time and persistence to internalize truth. In the Revelation Wellness community, that’s called “doing the work.” We plan, yes. We prepare. We do what we can do. Then we stand on His strength; we rest on His truth. We trust (choose to believe) He’ll do what we cannot do.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. …Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand … and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:10,11,14
Like the Apostle Paul, my confidence is in Christ, and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). His empty grave is everything. On my own, I’ve got nothing. It’s freeing to know that He’s got this, too.
Do you want to know more about training your brain to align with God’s truth? Do you want to live wholeheartedly in the skin you’re in — loving God, yourself, and others, fully and freely? This adventure is just another “big trip for big kids.”
I hope you’ll jump in on a journey that yields abundant benefits. My virtual class on “The Wellness Revelation” runs online, August 29 through October 23. Submit this form by August 7 to request your seat.
May God bless you, with grace, in peace.
~ Sincerely, Sondra
*Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5
I am inspired by your inspiration!!
I wish I was a 10 year old grandchild of yours!
Have fun. Prayers are preceeding you!