Be Prepared

When I was growing up I was in the Boy Scouts. My father was an Eagle Scout and hoped that his boys would be Eagles too. Unfortunately, my brother and I quit about half way through. I couldn’t bear to wear those super short army green shorts in public. I’m very fare skinned and trust me, nobody wants to stare at my pasty white legs.

The scout motto is, “Be Prapared” and ever since then, my father has made sure that no matter what he’s doing, he has enough supplies, food, materials, and these days protection (he started packin). This approach has largely shaped the way I do things as well. To me, it just makes sense to make sure you have what you need before you begin. Who decides to build a house without counting the cost, buying the material, or drawing the plans.

When I packed for moving to Ukraine, I probably made about 6 trips to Frys Electronics the week before I left. I wanted to make sure that I had all the proper converters and adapters for all my gadgets. When we got to the airport Lindsey and I had – 5 large bags, 1 guitar, 2 rolling carry-ons, a backpack, and a laptop bag. It was ridiculous how much stuff we had to lug around.

Now to the point…

What is hard for me is remembering that God is in control and not me. So often I find myself trying to do it all by myself and relying only on my efforts; just to find myself exhausted, frustrated, and burning out. How do I get to that place of dependence upon the Lord.? Society constantly pushes independence in my face. The truth is on my own I am nothing.

John 15:5

I am the vine and you are the branches he who remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

All this jazz about being prepared…………..details details details………….

Sure it makes sense to have a plan or goal that your trying to achieve but at what point do we stop and say, “O.k. God, your turn.”

So often we forget how Jesus sent out his disciples. I believe his instructions were to take nothing – not even a change of clothes. Dang, that’s harsh. Maybe he was trying to help them understand that it’s not what they have (material things) that will save peoples lives.

Lord, help me remember that you’re in control.