42 Degrees and Raining

We were all set- cots up, groceries stacked away, tree house swept, video camera ready-BUT it was raining outside – spring in Texas?? The unseasonably cold, wet air of 42 degrees made me wonder how it would be if the weather did not clear. Did we have enough to do in this small house with 6 lively children (ages 14 to 5 and a “hahlf”) alone with 2 grandparents who probably needed a “spring break” more than these energetic children?

We were all set- cots up, groceries stacked away, tree house swept, video camera ready-BUT it was raining outside – spring in Texas?? The unseasonably cold, wet air of 42 degrees made me wonder how it would be if the weather did not clear. Did we have enough to do in this small house with 6 lively children (ages 14 to 5 and a “hahlf”) alone with 2 grandparents who probably needed a “spring break” more than these energetic children?

All 6 of our grandchildren were arriving in few minutes to this little bitty “vacation house” for the first few days of their spring break. My genuine excitement was mixed with a fearful realism that the time, impacted by the weather, would either make more wonderful “cousin memories” or be a real bomb. This wasn’t exactly how we planned it.

For just a moment, I sat down and rather desperately sought the Lord. My Bible fell open to Matthew 6:8-13, the Lord’s Prayer; so familiar, I almost discounted it until these words jumped out at me, ”For your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

Time stopped. It was as if He were right there beside me offering to take my anxiety, my hyper vigilance, my desire to be prepared for any surprise. His gentle reminder rebuked my anxiety default and refocused me. He was present. He knew exactly what was going to happen and whatever transpired it would be okay. Cool it and let it go. He knew my longing to love these children with His love. He also knew how sad I was going to be when it was all over.

The doorbell rang. They were here! Throughout the next 4 days the Lord’s words kept coming back to me- “your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

Farther down in that chapter in Matthew is the contrast of the birds’ simple trust with our human angst. Why is it so hard to rest in God’s provision, to really trust Him? Why is it so hard to relax in the moment and simply enjoy whatever God gives in that moment?

God so longs for us to trust Him and promises to bless us when we do. “ O Lord of Hosts, how blessed is the one who trusts in Thee.” (Psalm 84:12) He did and He will.