A few weeks ago, we had an absolutely beautiful January day in Nashville. The temperature fluctuated in the 70s and the sun was shining with a barely-there breeze. My husband Matt and I decided we had to take advantage of this gift in the middle of winter and go to the park! It was even warm enough for ice cream, so we started to load up the boys for a family day out.
The problem is, my oldest son Carter is going through a phase where he hates his car seat. The moment he’s about to be strapped in, he wiggles and cries and tries to push himself out. Then, while I’m driving, he’ll cry and screech until he’s red in the face! It doesn’t matter if we’re going two miles or twenty, he will scream his head off the entire ride.
The ice cream shop is close to the park, so we stopped there on the way. Through it all, Carter cried. And I just kept thinking, “Sweet boy, if you had any idea where we are headed, you would understand! We’re going to your favorite park to eat ice cream—which you love!”
In that moment, I couldn’t help but realize how many times I’ve been like that in my own life.
How many times has God been taking me somewhere awesome—somewhere with my version of swings and slides and ice cream—and I’m just kicking and screaming? I’m upset because I don’t like how we’re getting there, I don’t like the seat I’m in, I don’t like something about my current situation, and God is just saying, “Your discomfort is temporary and we’re going somewhere awesome!”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) says, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
God has so many plans for us, friends. Plans He designed specifically for you and for me. But we can’t see that when we’re too distracted by our momentary frustrations. So I want to encourage you: Next time you don’t like the seat you’re in, try to remember who is really driving. He has something wonderful planned just for you.
For more inspiration from Christy, listen to the Business Boutique podcast! New episodes are available every other week.
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