Today I was reminder of my focal verse for the year. The verse says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit." (1 Thess. 5:16-19) I chose this verse at the start of the year because I knew a lot of changes were to come with a new baby (yet to be born at the time) and hopefully a new career in the military for my husband (yet to be selected). I had no idea what was truly in store. The verse has been perfect for this year and has certainly helped keep my focus where it needs to be... in most instances.
"Give thanks in all circumstances..."
Uh oh. Have I given thanks in all circumstances recently? For the first 3/4 of the year I would remember this portion of the verse and strive to give thanks even in the difficult times. This helped provide hope during those tough times. It helped me to remember all the good when there was only a little bad around me. It helped me remember that God has ordained every breath I take and all that goes on around me. But in the busy-ness of the past month or so I had begun to slip up. I had forgotten to be thankful in all circumstances.
Instead, I became stressed. Stressed about travel plans, stressed about finances, stressed about our unknown future with the military (as far as Matt's MOS goes, not really the unknown with deployments etc. I don't really struggle with that too much [yet]... but that explanation can be saved for another post another day). Stress and busy-ness (dun dun dunnnnn).
Hasn't God always provided financially for Matthew and I? Actually, hasn't he always more than provided financially when we needed? Why am I stressing now when I have already crunched the numbers and we're fine? I did the math, it all adds up, so why am I still worried about it? Why do I let it get to me? We haven't been frivolously spending. Jack and I traveled to Matt's BCT Graduation- legit. Matt traveled home to Michigan for Thanksgiving- legit. We booked tickets to go to California for Christmas to see Matt's family- legit. Family is very important to Matt and I, so these purchases are definitely worthwhile even with the high price tags. So why am I letting it get me down? Especially when God has been providing?
Travel plans. Through the entire week God continued to show His grace and mercy to Jack and I. What could have been a terrible, miserable week ended up being an adventure and a growing experience. We ran into very little hiccups and for each minor setback were about three blessings! Yet I still worried about the next stage of the trip? God is in control and providing for us. Completely.
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty). First Matt wanted Intel, which seems right up his alley with his psychology background. I was on board. Then he thinks he may have to do Infantry for awhile since Intel is more competitive. I brace myself for that and eventually get on board, but am still hesitant. Then his interest returns to Intel, but I kinda want him to do Infantry so he has the opportunity to go to Ranger School. Now he tells me he may be interesting in Military Police for the variety of career paths he could take and the training he would receive. I am almost frustrated that he wants to do this MOS. Why? Why am I upset? It would give him good training, he would enjoy it, and he would be good at it. So why am I stressing over his future MOS? He will learn more about the various branches and put his preference and then he will get it... or he won't. And we will move on. Yet still I get all uptight about the changes and possibilities?
I have forgotten to "give thanks in all circumstances".
So- here are a few things that I am thankful for and should have been thankful for all along:
1. I am thankful for a husband who is willing to serve our country to protect our freedoms. I am thankful for the opportunity he has to develop and build on his already large skill set. I am thankful that he has a variety of MOS branches he is interested in and that he will have some part in the decision making process on his career.
2. I am thankful for an easy going baby who has made being a stay-at-home mom, moving from VA to MI, long travel days, and single-parenting while Daddy is in training so rewarding and fun. Jack makes every day so full and brings me so much joy. I want to spend every moment I can with him. He has helped me make this transition into Army life and has eased my sadness when I miss his Daddy.
3. I am thankful that Matt and I built up our savings so we always have cushion when we feel money is tight. I am thankful Matt has a good job that pays enough for all the things we need, a lot of the things we want, and provides us with the ability to travel to see family. I am thankful I am able to stay home with Jack and not have an outside-the-home job.
4. I am thankful for airplanes. How different our travel plans would be if we had to drive instead of fly. The trip would almost certainly have been much less enjoyable with so many hours in the car. I am also thankful for beautiful clouds. It literally took my breath away.
5. I am thankful that Matt was able to get leave for the entire weekend so he was able to come to Michigan. He easily could have just had Thanksgiving Day off. Every minute we can get with our soldier is a minute we do not want to lose.
6. I am thankful for a place to come home to after traveling. I am thankful for a comfortable bed and a snuggly baby. I am thankful for a closet full of warm clothes for the chilly days we've had. I am thankful for warm fires that are a constant companion for Jack and I as we play. I am thankful for parents who are gracious enough to let Jack and I be their roommates for 6+ months. I am thankful for the time we are able to spend together- especially so Jack can form a relationship with his grandparents.
So that is the short list. I am thankful for many, many other things. I would never try to list them all out. But these are things that are so important to my current life. Today I have remembered to give thanks. It is so easy to get caught up in the world and life, but my life should revolve around my relationship with Christ and what does it say about that relationship if instead of being thankful I am stressed?
Thank you, Lord, for guiding my steps and for always providing for me.
No comments:
Post a Comment