My family is about to embark on a road trip. We have a tradition of having a goodie bag full of surprises in the car. With three children, the echo of “Are we there yet?” never ceases. We like to add a little fun to the car trip so we play a game approximately every couple of hours.
The kids have to work together during the game; then, everyone wins a prize from the goodie bag. Rewards might be snacks, candy, or dollar store toys; the kids think it is the greatest thing ever! No matter how old they get, they eagerly anticipate the next game. We have even had treasure hunts for prizes at rest stops.
Their excitement builds, and so does mine.
As soon as we finish one game, I am already counting down to the next one and thinking of the best way to make it meaningful and exciting! I love to see the teamwork during the game and the joy in their eyes when they receive a gift.
I plan the games based on the lessons I want them to learn. These moments are prepared long before they get into the car. They don’t know what is in store for them; they trust that there is something good ahead for them during our travels. Watching the anticipation of my kids reminds me of Hebrews 11:1 which says:
“Now, faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
In this passage, the writer of Hebrews is encouraging us to persevere in our faith. To believe for the things that we can’t see, to have confidence that God can see even when we can’t.
What if we looked at life the way my kids look at road trip games?
What would happen if we had that type of anticipation for the plans that God has for our lives? Sometimes, I get into the “Are we there yet?” cycle.
Can you relate?
I want some direction, some clue to what lies ahead. I want to get to the destination as soon as possible, with no setbacks or uncertainty. It would be great if life were this way. But it isn’t, is it?
I think the excitement that I have holding that bag of goodies for my kids is how God feels when He sees us and knows what He has planned for us.
We can’t see the reward or the road ahead.
However, God already has a plan and knows the road ahead. Sure we will face detours, roadblocks, traffic, potholes, and even flat tires. Those things take us by surprise, but they are no surprise to God.
He knows the challenges, lessons, and rewards that are waiting for us. As we prepare to leave for our road trip I am celebrating what God has done in my life and in the lives of those I love.
I am choosing to embrace today with anticipation, trust, and a reclaimed faith. God has a plan for your life, for my life, and for those we love.
God is bigger than our uncertainties, hurts, and fears. We don’t know the rewards or the journey that is in store for us. One thing is sure; there is an exciting journey ahead!
I want to be like my kids, excited and confident that good things are coming, even when I can’t see them.
Reclaiming Trust Together,
We all need to live by these words.