Ready to go

I’m sitting on my suitcase, lovingly packed, ready for the trip, eager to go.  I can just see the open road in my mind and hear it beckoning me.  I’m waiting for Papa first, though.  I can’t go without Him, especially since He’s the driver, navigator, and planner.  Besides, I’d much rather travel with Him than alone.  No question about that.

I know it’s going to be a great trip, but also that there will be bumps along the way.  To expect a trip without any slip-ups, accidents or near-mishaps, or discouraging moments would be naive and unrealistic.  I know that if I go with Papa, though, I’ll be fine one way or another.  He can handle anything and promised He would stay with me the whole way.  I believe Him.

“I’m waiting, Papa!  Are you ready?  Is it time?”  I stand up bouncing on my heels looking out the open door when I hear his footsteps behind me.  “Okay, let’s go!” His happy voice rings out.  He reaches for my hand and squeezes it tight.  I grab my bag with my other hand and look up at Him with a big smile as we head outside.

The LORD said, ” I will go with you and give you peace.”
Then Moses replied, ” If you aren’t going with us, please don’t make us leave this place.  Exodus 33:14-15 CEV

Wait patiently for the Lord.  Psalm 27:14  NLT

 

Following Jesus is like Super Mario Bros.

I was talking to a really good friend today, a mom of teenagers.  She shared something awful they’ve discovered happened to one of her kids when they were really little that probably influenced some of the not-so-good choices made by her child as a teen.  It’s a heavy burden on all of them right now – there’s anger, hurt, and weariness.  You see, this young person just weathered a lot of hard times and made tremendous growth.  He may have thought, “Whew!  That was rough.  Glad that’s over.  Glad God is with me and I’m closer to Him.”  Then this memory surfaced and the pieces of past abuse by a relative fall into place.  It feels like a set-back.  It might even feel to him like he’s back to square one.

As my friend and I talked about her son, I had a thought:  growing as a Christian and following Jesus is like Super Mario Bros.  Bear with me here.  Continue reading