Can I really prepare?
We are going on a long trip, which includes three weeks in Ethiopia with Compassion. The highlight will surely be traveling to each of our sponsored children’s projects and homes. At last, wrapping our arms around these precious gifts from God–the beautiful children we sponsor.
As I sit in the middle of all this “stuff,” and worry about the details of getting ourselves and this stuff to Ethiopia, I wonder…can I really prepare? I remember a particularly meaningful verse written by John Lennon, “life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” I sit back and listen to the song…the entire song–written for his young son. I believe all things done from the heart to honor children are of God. I haven’t listened to this song for at least a decade, maybe longer. ”Beautiful Boy.” This respite…it is no accident. God has put me back into this very moment–the here and now. Instead of worrying about each detail and what may go right or wrong, I should rejoice in these precious moments. Shopping for T shirts, soap and toothbrushes…an honor, privilege and joy. The worry about vaccines and visas…they’re done. Wasted moments.
I wonder…When is the last time I prepared and life actually went according to my plans? Hmmmm…maybe never or should I say gratefully never. I am usually surprised by how well things work out in spite of my plans. Instead of tackling this itinerary and packing project like an out-of-control fire, I will try to savor each and every moment as a gift and give thanks to the One who is The Giver of all. I can’t really prepare for the future, because I don’t know the future. What I can do is prepare my heart.
Now I wonder…which one do you think, Lord? The pink or the purple backpack for Belaynesh? 
