4,300 miles, sixteen days, thirteen different beds, lugging overnight bags in and out of the car, back roads, interstate highways, stop and go traffic, local diners, 1055 photographs, sitting in the sun, walking in the sun, driving in the sun, coffee stops, bathroom stops, washing the car, talking with vendors, talking with new friends, talking with each other, XM Radio, iPod playlists, and sucking exhaust fumes. And I wondered why I was tired when we pulled into the drive? Hmmm!
But then there were miles and miles of rolling hills, picturesque farmland, friendly waves from small town America, unhurried conversations, opportunities to admire American automobile muscle, and two weeks of uninterrupted time with the person I love the most. And now I know why I was mysteriously refreshed.
As I reflected on that, as I tried to squeeze some deeper theological meaning from my oxymoronic thought, all I could come up with was, "Thanks Lord. You are good!"
James understood the goodness of God. His audience was grappling with God's place in their tough times. As if anticipating them making God the author of their misfortune, he writes:
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1:16-18 ESV)
If you're holding a good gift in your hand, you can be sure God is the source. Every good gift ... is from above! We were holding such a gift. We were tired AND refreshed. We had just spent two weeks on the open road. Thanks Lord!
STAY FOCUSED TODAY: Take inventory of the good gifts in your hands. Thank God for them. And if life is tough remember that when it comes to your Father, he never changes. God is good all the time!