Once upon a time there was a lady who *still* didn’t have any stuff, and it drove her completely crazy.
For those of you who are keeping track, (or for those of you who are just catching up,) my family has recently moved to Alaska. Getting us here was surprisingly easy and wonderful. Getting our stuff here has been an entirely different story.
First of all, I want to say that I am not unaware of the logistical complication it must be to move 15,000+ lbs. 4,000+ miles. It is not an inconsequential feat, to be sure. I expect it to take some effort, coordination, experience---and yes, some time.
But it’s been 45 days...
And I got here in 12…
And even on the fringe of civilization, Amazon can still find me in 5…
and has already done so 5 times.
So yeah, I feel like “some time” is up.
I’ve mentioned before that it has been bothering me that I am so upset about not having my stuff yet. After all, it’s just stuff. But the more time that passes without it, I realize that it’s not necessarily the absence of my things that has been bothering me. It’s the fact that I jumped into this journey so unprepared to begin with.
I knew I was moving to a place that was significantly cooler. I only brought two pairs of pants.
I knew that I was going to be meeting new people. I brought no hair styling utensils. Not a single one. (Unless you count ball caps—which I do, because 45 days without a straightener makes you a little desperate.)
I knew my sweet husband was returning to work, and I was going to have to entertain the kids in a brand new place during summer vacation. I did no prior research for camps and activities.
I knew I was going to join a new church. Didn’t research any.
I knew I would need to register my kids for their new school. No report cards.
I knew my kids would want to join new sports clubs. Didn’t check registration dates.
(So basically, I planned for this giant move less than some people plan their week-long trips to Disney World.)
And as much as I want to say “But I didn’t know it would take this long!” the truth is, I should have been ready.
And that reminds me of another story:
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the prudent answered, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.” (Matthew 25:1-10)
Sometimes, we can know what is coming and not be prepared for it. Our lack of preparedness is always revealed with time, because it’s the one thing that none of us can fully anticipate.
Maybe there’s something you know you need to quit and won’t.
Maybe there’s something you know you need to start and haven’t.
Maybe there’s something you need to say and aren’t.
(Maybe there’s a straightener you’re supposed to pack and didn’t.)
And maybe you’re not supposed to do any of those things right now. Get ready anyway.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15)If you need oil, friend, go and get it.
No comments:
Post a Comment