I’ve got this bit of duplicity going on in my mind right now. It happens anytime I am about to travel. I’m excited to go, more than excited, ecstatic, and yet I also have this overwhelming feeling of not wanting to leave my family. I love my wife and kids dearly and do not like to be away from them for long periods of time.
The past couple of days I have been in a sullen mood. It’s just how I get when I will be away from my family. It’s the mental preparation that I go through each time. All of the “what if’s” appear out of thin air and I begin to think of all the things that could happen while I am away that would be totally out of my control. I know that God does not bring those “what if’s”. I know that the doubt, the fears, the concerns and all of the unwarranted thoughts that go through my head are like a plague that tries to get me down. I know that my family will be fine. I will miss them, they will miss me, but they will be fine while I am away. We have great friends who look out for us. Our neighbors always keep an eye on things when they know I am gone. My wife is incredibly independent as it is and I know that she can handle just about anything that comes her way.
I remind myself of all of these things. They cast away the concerns. I also give these cares to God. I know that He has my family in mind as well as me. There is nothing that could happen that He would not help each of us through. This gives me hope and brings back the joy and expectancy of my travels. Sharing this with each of you also helps me. I know that many of you who read this will join in praying for my trip to Rwanda as well as for my family while I am away from them. I trust that God will take care of all that needs to be taken care of.
Now if I could just get packed…
We will be praying for you on your trip and also for the family here at home. They can always call on us. We are only 1 hour or less away. Be at peace with this trip and know that God will keep you in His care and the family too. love you, Mom and Dad.