The closer we get to leaving for Tanzania, the more and more I see the parallel between preparing for the mission field and preparing for a new baby.
I remember preparing like crazy for our babies, especially for Selah, our first. I spent so much time decorating her room and making sure we had enough diapers, wipes, blankets, and baby contraptions. However, I don’t remember spending much time preparing my heart for being a mom and for the fact that my life would never be the same again.
These last few months our preparations for Tanzania have really heightened, especially after buying our plane tickets. We have made to-do list after to-do list and spend so much time talking about the things we have left to buy and do. Lately the Lord has been showing me that I am spending so much time preparing our “stuff,” and that I must ask the question “Am I spending the same amount of time or more on preparing my heart?”
I am so very thankful that in His kindness, He is revealing to me that my tendency is to prepare our stuff more than my heart. I have realized that most of the things we are packing in our suitcases and boxes are truly all things that we could live with out, but we cannot live without Jesus. With each day that passes I see my need for Him with more and more clarity.
The more I know Jesus, the more I realize that I am hopeless and helpless without Him.
God has been using worship music so much in my life lately to help me meditate on the truths of His Word. One song particularly, A Little Longer, by Bethel Music has reminded that there is nothing more that Jesus wants from us than to simply be with Him and love Him.
My favorite part of the song says this:
“I hear you say, ‘You don’t have to do a thing, simply be with me and let those things go, they can wait another minute. Wait, this moment is too sweet. Please stay here with me and love on me a little longer.’”
It has been such a sweet reminder that the greatest thing I can do through this crazy season is to simply be with Him!
Praying that you, too, will see that Jesus wants nothing more than to spend time with you. Everything else can wait just a little longer.
Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts!
-Jamie (for the Sharpes)