Phil. 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (niv).
As most of you know, our daughter, Mia, was born with a cleft lip and a cleft palate. She will turn twelve this week, and we have been traveling to a surgical team in Dallas every few weeks for doctors’ appointments over the last twelve years. Most of the time, before I leave the doctor’s office, I will make the next appointment and write it in my calendar. My calendar=my brain. I am a pretty scheduled person, and with my family’s hectic schedule these past few years, if I don’t put it in my calendar, it’s completely gone. Forgotten. I have no idea what you’re talking about if you bring up an engagement that is not in my calendar!
Just a few weeks ago, I loaded up the car with Mia and her friend and was about to head to Dallas when Jase asked where we were going. Oops, I had forgotten to tell him! He couldn’t believe I had forgotten to fill him in on this pertinent information. What, doesn’t everybody forget every once in a while to tell the person they are closest to that they are about to drive 4½ hours one way for a doctor’s appointment? I mean, I put it in my calendar. It’s a done deal, written in stone, no turning back. True, except I forgot to tell my husband, my best friend, the father of this child I am traveling with. He was stunned that I had completely forgotten to fill him in. And so was I. Jase wants to know when we are going to Dallas because Mia is also his child. He wants to know because he cares. Even though he can’t travel with us every time, he is always waiting on my call to tell him everything is okay. This trip to Dallas every few weeks is very important to him, and he was disappointed I didn’t include him in knowing about this trip. I was so caught up in my own schedule, my own agenda, my own stresses.
That is how our God feels when we leave Him out of our plans. He not only wants to be a part of our plans, He wants to be a part of our decision-making process. Most of the time, the drive doesn’t bother me, but sometimes I begin to dread that drive. I start to stress out about Mia missing school and my having to plan around this entire day or two just for one doctor’s appointment. Most people drive across town to see their orthodontist or doctor. Mia and I drive to another state—sometimes for a fifteen-minute checkup, sometimes it takes the bulk of our day. That can stress me out at times. Shouldn’t I pray that God gives me peace? Shouldn’t I go to God first about this? Shouldn’t I go to God first about everything ?!
Why is it that so many times we go to prayer as a last resort? I catch myself doing this quite often. My theory for myself is that as a mom, I’ve learned to make all of the day-to-day decisions that need to be made for my house, my job, my kids, and myself without giving any of them a second thought. Think about it—from the time we get up in the morning until the time we go to bed, we are making decisions and executing tasks all day long. Sometimes I even forget to include Jase in these decisions. Then I am surprised and confused when I become overwhelmed and completely exhausted with all of the stress that it brings. However, when I start each day giving everything—yes everything—over to my God in prayer, thanking Him for all of the opportunities this day will bring me, it’s astounding how the stress begins to dissipate. Isn’t it amazing how that happens? My God is there. He is waiting to hear my plans, my dreams, and even my stresses. He’s waiting for you, too.
You may think that there is no time in the morning for you to do this. But just give it a try. Tomorrow, when your alarm sounds to begin the day, take sixty seconds before your feet hit the ground and ask God to guide your steps for the day. Tell Him how much you love Him and are grateful for His love for you. Ask Him to help you navigate the decisions you will make today, from what project to tackle first to dinner plans that evening to how to handle conversations with your kids or coworkers. You will be amazed at the peace He will give you.
Have a peaceful week!
