::vacation expections::
In just a couple of hours now, Jim, Josh and I will be on our way to Nantucket for a week of vacation with his family. Thankfully the Lord has given me both a speedy recovery from labor and a healthy easy going baby that will make this 8 hour car ride possible. But in preparation for this time I'm setting only one specific expectation - EXPECT TO SERVE SACRIFICIALLY. As beautiful as the scenery will be and wonderful as the company will be, I've prepared my heart now that I may not be able to enjoy them. But what I will be able to enjoy is the Lord's grace and favor in caring for our little boy! While there are tons of things to pack, I'm storing up on some serious truth for this trip. Here's some scripture I've been mediating on this morning has been helpful:
you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance....
11You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
{Psalm 16:5-6,11}
3Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
{Philippians 2:3-7}
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
{James 1:2-4}
26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
{Roman 8:26-28}
14For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
{2 Corinthians 5:14-15}
26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."{Matthew 20:26-28}
Some wise counsel a friend encouraged me with recently was to let go of any expectations that I might have or pictures in my head about what I think this vacation will or should look like. And to be watchful for any temptations to self pity because it won't really be a "vacation" for me. She told me to try not to focus on myself or compare with other people. While I might be tempted to think that Jim is having more fun than me since he is doing less work with the baby, I know that I have an opportunity for more JOY than he does. Fullness of joy actually, in the laying down of my desires in service and obedience to the Lord.So if you think of us in this week please pray for me... that I would remember these truths and actually live them out. I have full expectations that the Lord will be working change in my heart this trip and that is a very very good thing! :)
Tessa, you have beautifully captured the essence of motherhood, I think. There will be many times of temptation to have thoughts like you described. But like you said, your fullness of joy will be found when you lay it down for Josh AND Jim (and obviously, therefore, to the Lord). You will thoroughly enjoy the vacation as long as your joy is found in doing what He has called you to do. I will be praying for you!
Your post brought tears to my eyes!
Kelly Tarr said...
June 12, 2009 2:12 PM
You are truly a gift from the Lord, my love! Thank you for how you joyfully and sacrificially serve our boy! Looking forward to our time together!
Grateful Hubby said...
June 12, 2009 3:23 PM
tessa, i have been provoked and encouraged by how truth and Scripture-focused you are. as you meditate on these verses and focus on others, the Lord will grant much grace for joy and strength. may you continue to demonstrate the gospel to others, especially your new little one!
amy said...
June 12, 2009 7:26 PM
Excellent Truth Tessa. Thank you for the much needed reminder of where we are to find our Joy!
Brandy said...
June 12, 2009 10:03 PM
How happy you are to have the baby, Tessa! Congratulations! Try to bring him up. Kids is all in our lives. Best wishes to you.
Vuonle said...
August 20, 2009 10:17 AM