I am not a fan of air travel. Or waiting in long lines. Or large crowds of people. So, of course it would make sense that for
our first real family vacation we would travel to...
DISNEY WORLD.
At this stage of their lives, two of my three daughters are
past the Disney Princess thing. They are
more into Star Wars. Actually, my
husband and I are into Star Wars too. My
youngest, though, she still will dress up in a Belle dress or play with her
Minnie Mouse puzzles here and there. So
while none of us are die-hard fans of a certain mouse, Disney World still
sounded like a great idea. With all the
new Star Wars attractions and a few princesses thrown in for good measure, we
decided we needed to start planning our trip!
The next decision was whether to drive or fly to Florida. Y’all, I’m not going to sugar coat this at
all. I don’t like to fly. The thought of being stuck in a big tin can
30,000 feet in the sky, where everything is out of my control, is terrifying to
me. In fact, the last time I flew
anywhere was over ten years ago. And I
started to freak out and full on ugly-cry as we took off. I know, I am a peach to travel with. Just ask my husband. But I digress...
We estimated that we would lose a day and half of vacation
time just driving from Pennsylvania to Florida.
And that was one way. It almost seemed like we would be driving for
the same amount of time we’d actually be
at Disney. So, we opted to fly.
Gulp.
As the morning of our flight to Florida drew near, I felt butterflies
of anxiety flare up in my stomach. I did
my best to hide it though. The last
thing I wanted to do was let my kiddos know I was scared to fly. I didn’t want to transfer that fear on to
them nor did I want three terrified kids and one jittery wife for my husband to
care for on a two hour flight.
I prayed an awful lot before our vacation. I prayed for our safety, good health, and for
peace. I didn’t want my family’s
adventure to be clouded over with my fear and worry. I wanted to have fun and enjoy this precious
time when we could all be together. I kept telling the Lord, “If You can just get me past this whole flying
thing...”
And that’s when He whispered to my heart, “I am
faithful.” Then I remembered what I know
about God. He IS faithful. He can be trusted. He is for me.
He will protect me. He loves me!
As the day of our departure drew near, God kept leading me to Scriptures during
my quiet time that reinforced what He spoke to my heart...
“The LORD will keep
you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your
coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8 (NIV)
“But the Lord is
faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2
Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)
When we boarded our plane for Orlando, I kept repeating God’s
Word over and over in my head: “For God has not given
us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy
1:7 (NKJV)
I purposefully did not seat myself next to the window, but
in between my youngest and a stranger sitting in the aisle seat. My husband sat across from us with our other
daughters. What I thought I had planned
as a strategic parenting move was really God’s Hand at work. My little one kept me occupied almost the
entire flight! She talked my ear off
during take-off so I couldn’t focus on the plane leaving the runway. She had me play games like “I Spy” and “Rock,
Paper, Scissors”. We colored and did word searches. She kept the shade down on the window because
she felt it was too bright so I couldn’t really ever see how high up we truly
were. And when this little one had run
out of things to occupy her mother with, that’s precisely when my neighbor to
left of me decided it was a great time to chat about Pittsburgh, his trip to
Yellow Stone, and his life in Orlando.
And then just like that... We landed.
Two hours blew by and I was fine.
Our vacation? It was wonderful! We had a great time and left with so many
memories! Our flight back home to
Pittsburgh? Well, I had my special seat
mate again and boy, she kept me busy.
Lots of coloring and games to play.
While I was still repeating 2 Timothy over silently in my head, it was
less out of trying to squelch fear from trying to take hold and more because I
was resting in God’s faithfulness displayed.
A declaration that I did NOT have a spirit of fear but a SOUND MIND.
I love this quote from “Jesus Always” by Sarah Young about
when we are afraid, “Cling tightly to My hand and walk resolutely past those
dark presences of fearfulness and despair.
Keep looking toward My radiant Presence that beams out rays of unfailing Love and endless
encouragement.”
Is there something you really want to do but fear is holding
you back? Have you let anxiety take
hold and keep you from trusting God? I
want to encourage you today to take it to the Lord. Lay it all out before Him
and ask for His help. God wants you to
have a sound mind. Fear is not from Him
and He doesn’t want it to rule your life.
Worry can keep us from experiencing all that God has in store for us!
Let’s focus on trusting God with our fears. Keep our eyes fixed on the One who has amazing
plans for us. When fear tries to knock
us down, lean into His presence and rest in His unfailing love. God will melt those fears away in His magnificent
light. And when you find yourself with a
sound mind, you will realize just how faithful He is!
Post by: Marcy Gates
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