So, I’ve been away from home now for roughly 106 days, and it’s starting to get to me.
I’ll post a ministry update in a few days to give you a better idea of what I’m doing in Atlanta this month. My team is working with an awesome organization, and our contact is a sweetheart!
But even with such a great ministry to focus on, I’ve been struggling with missing home.
A few days ago, a group of us took the train and walked a little way to go to Target. My mood was particularly discouraged, for whatever reason, so I wasn’t saying much as I trudged along. All I could think about was how I wanted to be home, walking on familiar streets, spending time with my family and my friends, sleeping in my own bed, shopping at my usual Target store… you get the idea.
So I’m shuffling forward, dragging my feet, having a pity party in my mind, when I look down and notice a bug on my shirt.
A ladybug.
I don’t know about you, but even on the worst days, I can’t help smiling when I see a ladybug.
They remind me of childhood. The simple, carefree days of roly polies and fireflies in jars. Tall glasses of lemonade on the back porch. Losing tickle fights with Daddy. Climbing up on Mom’s lap to relax after dinner.
Well, I’m not a little kid anymore, but in that instant, with that ladybug crawling on my stomach, I felt like one. The ladybug was a message, an invitation from God to crawl into His lap and take shelter in His arms. To remember that He walks with me wherever I go. That He has a purpose for this month, and in order to make the most of my time here, I have to let go of my homesickness and embrace where I am right now, in this moment.
Maybe you need to take a second and notice the bug on your shirt.
No matter where you are or what’s going on around you, as a child of God, you have access to the prize of contentment in Christ. Jesus came to give us abundant life, full of joy and peace and purpose. He’s inviting you to take a break from the worries and chaos of your day, climb into His lap, and be still in His presence.
Keep your eyes open for the ladybugs God might be placing in your path today.
