First World Problems

Where do I start? The last time I posted school was ending, and lots of school events prompted me to write about education. After I said my peace I continued to write my second book, and that project is finished. Now I’m looking at four pages of blog topics I want to explore, but for a minute there I was emotionally and mentally drained. And then came the whining. Let me explain. I haven’t taken a real vacation…i.e., a vacation to a tropical location in three years. I had made plans to go to Jamaica this summer, and unfortunately those plans were cancelled. In the midst of my moaning and groaning, I was watching Sarah Jakes Roberts, and she alluded to God not wanting to use people who complain about not being able to take a vacation. Look at God setting me up! When I first heard those words, I got an attitude and got in my feelings because don’t a deserve a vacation? Don’t I work hard and deserve some rest from my labor? Yes…and no. Yes, everyone deserves times of refreshing. But should I really complain about what seemed to be the biggest problem in my life currently and that is wanting to go on a tropical vacation? Here’s what God saw that I didn’t see. God knew that shortly after that message from Sarah Jakes Roberts that I would begin writing a new book. God knew that after my book was complete my son would have struggles that required my time and attention. Kind of hard to do either while relaxing on a cruise ship. After reflecting on what I thought was important and actually walking into what was important (my calling and my family), I realized that God has got me right where He wants me. In fact for the past two days I have spent time in the ultimate vacation spot: the presence of God. Even as I ran errands today I kept coming back to Psalm 16:11, which reminds us that “in His presence is fullness of joy.” I can have that joy here in my house, at my parents’ house, in my car, or anywhere else I go. As much as I love traveling, vacationing, and relaxing, this first part of summer has taught me that I have much to be thankful for. Instead of fretting over what hasn’t happened yet, I’m going to thank God for directing my steps to where I am today. No more crying over first world problems but I’m thanking God for all that He has already done and for where He is taking me later.