Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Car Trip (07/18/05)
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TITLE: The Journey of Life | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karri Compton
07/21/05 -
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It’s the age-old question any parent who has ever taken a family vacation has heard numerous times. I cringe now to even read those words, considering the eleven-hour drive our family will embark upon in two months.
Our last vacation actually wasn’t too rough. I anticipated the whiny attitude and boredom that my three children would experience, and made sure I had lots of things for them to do in the car: movies, handheld games, Playstation, books, food, drinks, toys, etc. As my husband says: “Fat and happy.” This means that we give them whatever they want (within reason) so they won’t annoy us the whole trip. We’ve found it to be largely effective on a temporary basis.
As an adult, I catch myself whining about this world and the life I’m living. I feel like I’m getting nowhere fast. I sound like my own children! I’m guilty of asking the same question my kids ask me. God, are we there yet? When are you coming back? Are we done here? I’m bored. I’m tired. I’m not getting what I want. Ad nauseum.
Our time on this earth is somewhat like a lengthy car trip. We know our final destination, our general direction, but sometimes we get lost. Often, the road is under construction, and we are required to take detours or slow down. Although our time here is relatively short, it drags on and our short-sighted vision blinds us to all that God has waiting for us.
I thank God that He’s not a flawed parent as I am. Instead of giving me everything I want so I’ll be happy, He shows me productive things to do along the way, and reminds me that it really won’t be long before my journey is over. He wants me to just enjoy being with Him and others, not having to be entertained every second. To Him, it’s more important for me to learn patience and purpose than it is for me to get everything I ask for.
Let’s not forget God’s grace, which helps us to live godly lives while we wait for the Lord’s appearance (see Titus 2:12-13). May the eyes of our hearts be open so that we “may know the hope to which he has called [us], the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints…” (Eph. 1:18b NIV)
So, the next time my family heads out on vacation, I am going to be more patient with my own kids when they ask: “How much longer?” and realize that I do the same thing with God. He doesn’t reprimand me, but helps me see the big picture of how I can serve Him now, and that one day it will be more than worth the wait.
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