So, I’m the pastor of a pretty small church in Western Maryland. We generally have 30-40 people on a Sunday morning. We have people from every walk of life and the church takes great care of me and my family. I wouldn’t trade this group of people for anything.
So, I’ve been looking to take a vacation this summer. I’ve always wanted to take my wife and little girl on a vacation. But my wife and I do not have much money so, we are looking to stretch the dollars as far as possible. I found a potential bungalow on the beach in North Carolina–not very expensive and for an entire week! So…upon further investigation, I find out that the only available week is the last week of June–the same week as The Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Bummer!
Today, my wife and I took a care package to a family in our church. They are a simple family and they do not have much–in the way of money or possessions. Also, there are some health issues in this family and some disability. Our church provides a monthly care package of food and the church is happy to do so.
Then it hit me like a ton of bricks: This family will probably never take a vacation. They will probably never know what it is like to escape their situation–even for a few days.
I feel like an idiot.
Like so much of the world, I am lamenting what I don’t have and feel I deserve rather than thanking God for what He has given me–nothing of which I deserve.
No, I am an idiot.
I’m reminded of the saying: I was once upset that I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.
May God forgive my preoccupation with myself and may He forgive my cold, cold heart.