In August, beginning of the school year, I decided to donate my most cherished stuffed animals to my classroom. A stuffed puppy, brown and white with big droopy eyes and fluffy ears. There was also my most prized lion with it’s beautiful brown mane. And, my bengal tiger stuffed puppet. They were given as gifts from my parents and made more special because I’ve kept them over the years since I was 7 years old.
Throughout the years I kept them displayed on shelves in my bedroom with the hope that one day I’d be able to pass it down to children of my own. But, the enemy has a way of turning what’s meant to be beautiful and sentimental into something ugly and deceitful. As the years went by, the stuffed animals grew dust and remained unused. Seeing them reminded me of my own failed relationships, unkept promises, and plans that never came into fruition. It caused me to doubt God’s will and timing for my life. I realize now that Pride had started to take root. I could have donated them years ago, but I was too prideful to let go. I convinced myself that what I had planned for my life, the “white picket” fence and family life, would soon come true.
When I became so focused on my plans, I was unable to hear God’s plan and understand His timing. I put a limit on God who wanted more for me and out of me. I lost sight of His promise for a prosperous life filled with hope. Only when I surrendered my life at His feet did He open the door for an opportunity that I never thought would be possible. He planted a seed in my heart and is tending to it so thoughtfully with love. As His plans unfold this seed will radiate His full glory throughout the Mission trip. How much more exciting is this to look forward to! Certainly more exciting than anything I could have planned for myself.
God doesn’t stop there. What I let go of, He replaced like a Good Father eager to give Joy to His daughter. I let go of the Pride behind those stuffed animals and in turn God gave me Joy beyond my own understanding. At work, I get to see those toys being put to good use! No longer collecting dust, my student’s use their imagination like I once did and play with them! They share them with friends. They sleep with them during nap time. And, I even have one student who is just the perfect size for my prized lion and she rides on top of it pretending she’s living in Africa. I pray for the children that I’ll meet while on this Mission trip. God can use the Joy He’s given me and extend it out to all of His little children around the World! How glorious is the Living God! He wants true Joy for us that can be found when we let go of our Pride and walk in His perfect will.
