Over Memorial weekend, I ran my first marathon. That’s right. A six day, 90 diaper, 965 mile, out-of-state “vacation” with a four year old, a two year old, and and eight month old.
Like all marathons–so I’ve been told–there were moments of euphoria. Mostly induced by tollway diesel fumes. And there were low points when I just wanted to run and hide…futile thought in a van crammed full with 6 hapless travelers (Grandma came with–a lifesaver), mountains of clothes, a large cooler plus two additional bags of food, books, toys, and the princess potty chair (my husband’s idea, and also a lifesaver).
Also like any marathon, I couldn’t have done it without preparation. I actually don’t mean the blogs and Facebook pages listing what to pack for little ones, organized by age, or the top ten kid-friendly hotels. If you are seeking such tips for your summer road trip, I’m sorry, I’m just not organized enough to be of much help.
Oh, wait. I do have a tip!
Bring Wikki Stix!
Well, okay, so the Wikki Stix turned out to be mainly Mom therapy. Particularly after my two year old, despite the full pantry-worth of food in the van, started eating the Wikki Stix. Twelve years from now, she will be the one her friends can always count on for a stick of gum.
You may not want to bring Wikki Stix.
Though I could have been more prepared in some ways, thankfully I did have with me the most important Help, who always prepares me for the road ahead in the ways I need most.
Self-control is the fruit of the Spirit I’ve been looking at lately—how timely! Prior to the trip, I learned that self-control is something I possess already, because the fruit of the Spirit is a package deal that we receive as a generous gift from God. All those who belong to Jesus are given all the good things listed in Galatians 5:23.
More important than what I packed (or forgot to pack) for my little traveling companions was my attitude toward them during the trip, when they whined in their car seats, ate the travel toys, or couldn’t fall asleep in their unfamiliar beds. More important than the travel plans we made was my response when plans went awry. More important than trying to control every circumstance was my effort to control my worry and anxious thoughts while we were away from our usual surroundings and routines. The trip was all about putting into practice the Spirit’s gift of self-control.
Not that I did so perfectly. My dear husband can attest to that. But God prepared me ahead of time, and then also gave me what I needed when I needed it for our “marathon” family trip. And I thank Him for it.
His divine power has freely given to us everything we need for a life of godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his glory and might. 2 Peter 1:3
What’s the marathon that you are running? God has been building you up for it. He knows every twist and turn, every euphoric mountain peak and every disheartening low. He never would have put you on that road without providing serious preparation.
Right now as you are running your course, you may feel stretched to the limit. I know the feeling. But He refreshes us at each turn with His Word and His Supper. He strengthens us to go the distance. He enables us to exercise the self-control we need to finish strong.
Everyone who competes exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we for an imperishable one. 1 Corinthians 9:25
Onward, Mom!
Scripture from the Mounce Reverse-Interlinear New Testament
