Friday, June 01, 2007

Different view





It's a busy day today. The kids are all going camping with their youth group this weekend, so trying to get them organized and packed is an adventure in negotiation, debate and darn right just pulling out the mommy card and putting it into play.



This is my kid's ideal list of things to take:

sleeping bag, pillow, themselves.

Here is my list:

sleeping bag, pillow, extra micro fleece blanket, warm pajamas or clothes to sleep in, 2 pairs shorts, 2 pairs pants, 3 tshirts, underwear, extra socks, bathing suit, little mittens, hats, sunscreen, bug spray, meds with a complete list of instructions for each med, sunglasses, hand towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, anitbacterial wipes. x3.

UPDATE: See I knew I'd think of even more. How could I have forgotton hoodies, warm coat or rain coat and runners and sandals or a spare pair of shoes, you just in case they "fall" in the lake and need dry shoes.



See the difference? When I pack, I use the boy scout motto: Be prepared. Which for some reason makes the rest of my family, inculding hubby at times, roll their eyeballs with a heavy sigh or "Oh mom" thrown in for good measure.


I think it's all to make myself feel better and not worry about them. Like if they have everything but the kitchen sink, that will ensure that nothing will happen where they will need the item that they did not bring. But when the rubber meets the road I cannot control events by my worry. In fact, God calls that a sin. My worrying is not going change any little thing about them being away from me or their weekend. So what is a mom to do? The answer as always is in God's word. In 1 Peter 5:7 in the Amplified Bible it says:

"Casting the whole of your care--
all your anxieties, all your worries, all your
concerns, once and for all--
on Him;
for He cares for you affectionately, and cares for
you watchfully."


He cares for me watchfully and affectionately. He cares about my concerns. But I need to give Him those concerns once and for all. That means no running up to Him and grabbing it back, people. You leave it there with God. When you cast something, the dictionary says you throw or fling it or shed it off. God asks me to throw all my cares onto Him. That means they are away, far away from me. He will handle them. He is the same God who tell us that we are written in the palm of His hand. *Isaiah 49:16* And if my children are written in God's hand then there is no better place than they can be.




18 comments:

Tricia said...

This really made me laugh - I'm a youth leader, so I can definitely relate! We just had a meeting about a weeklong trip we are going on with our kids and they came up with the same kind of lists as your kids - mine is QUITE a bit longer. : )

GiBee said...

I am totally on your side!!! When ever my husband travels anywhere, I usually sneak behind him and pack things I think he'll need (like extra socks and underwear and 1 long sleeve shirt if it's not winter).

He usually comes back thanking me and saying that he needed what I pack.

Anonymous said...

hope they have fun
it is a very short list that the youth group gave you
and well done for being a good mum

Kelli said...

Isn't it funny how MOM always has to be the pack(ing) mule>

Tammy said...

Oh my goodness, Susanne...my little girl is going to Awana camp tonight, too! She actually went away for the first time last year...and that was harder since she was still only 6 yrs old!!! But she was in the group with our good family friends, so that really helped.

Still, reading how I can trust God with her, even when she's out of my care temporarily was such a great reminder- thank you!

Oh...and my little girl's idea of packing is right up there with you! LOL I actually have to UN-pack some things! heehee

Annie said...

Amen Susanne, Amen!

Shalee said...

I like your motto of being prepared... Now what are you preparing to do while they're gone?!

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

When our youth org. does stuff like this, we send them a list of what to bring and what NOT to bring. Kids will bring Ipods, etc. that distract them and separate them from others on these trips where they're supposed to bond! Kids are funny. I think as moms we just cannot shake the responsibility. If they get cold; we're to blame. If they get sick; we're to blame. It goes on. I think they're blessed to have you, for sure!

Linda said...

I totally agree - we are not to worry. However....I also agree that it never hurts to be prepared for any eventuallity. You just know if the weather gets nasty they will be thankful they packed all the stuff Mom wanted them to.
Hope they have a wonderful time.

Beck said...

They'll be okay - but yes, I'd be worrying frantically. They'll be home safe and sound tomorrow and if they learn that maybe they should pack bug spray next time - well, that's another part of growing up.

Anonymous said...

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 4:2

I know I am taking this verse way out of context but girl you preach it - your kids need to be prepared in any season... and isn't the rest of that verse sound advice for all good mamas!

Blessings on you and your kids! Have a restful weekend.

Chris @ Come to the Table said...

very very good word. Oh, how easy it is to worry and not to "cast our cares", but I bet one of those kids will thank you for the hoodie or extra pair of socks. :)

Susie said...

I can totally relate to being extra prepared. I have learned my lesson in letting the kids pack alone. I loved the words you shared about "casting our cares on Him". Wonderful post! Have fun with the kiddos gone.

Anonymous said...

Amen and amen...
I love the camping pictures you posted. Now to relax and not worry, may it be Lord!

Islandsparrow said...

Oh yes...I pack the kitchen sink as well - you never know what might come in handy!!

BTW love the clip art!

Shawna said...

Susanne, this is absolutely a perfect post. I could go on and on and just gush about how much this fits me today. I am so glad to visit and read it. It was no accident.

You really had me with the whole camping situation. I am the same way. (In fact, my oldest son is gone now with his grandparents for a few days.) And the guys roll their eyes, etc. at me, too.

But then you threw in the most important part. I have to remind myself every single day, multiple times, to not worry, and not take my problems back from God. Great post, Friend!

Barb said...

Your list just cracks me up, Susanne. Mine would look pretty much exactly the same. LOL

I love the way you tied this all together with the devotional.

Letting go of the worry habit has always, always been one of my biggest challenges.

So now it's Monday morning. Tell me. Did the kids survivie? :-)

gail@more than a song said...

I think my list would have been similar! But spending time with the youth group and camping, great times!