Packing Up My Pack and Play

Written by Elizabeth Withers

Are you facing unwanted news today? Let us pray with you,we can take it to God together.

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

I woke up with a lump in my throat. I could sense the tears forming in my eyes. The reality of the phone call yesterday had finally sunk in. My family received news that my Dad’s platelet count was too high and placed him at risk for more cancer.

I wanted to break down and have a pity party. It would be comforting to be the victim and soothe my own pain. I not only wanted one…I felt entitled to have one. How could God potentially allow cancer back into our lives? Thoughts swirling, I was led to 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you.”

Give thanks? It was not what my heart desired to do at all, but I thought I’d give it a shot.

As pen and paper met, my need for a coddling lessened. An endless list starting forming–my husband, my job, my family, my Dad’s restored health from last year’s scare, and my new family, the Bergs. There were countless ways in which God had personally shown His loving-kindness towards me.

After spending some time writing, I realized one important lesson. Thanksgiving does not lessen pain, but allows us new perspective in Christ which brings forth purpose. Pain without purpose is just pain. Pain with purpose is development. Christ desires for us to be mature in Him. No more babies in play pens throwing pity parties, but rather mature individuals that find Him in the midst of pain.

Luke describes Jesus in this way, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52)

If Jesus warranted growth, I most definitely need to shirk off childish ways in pursuit of maturity. The lump in my throat doesn’t need a pity party, but rather a new perspective that allows me to see how blessed I truly am. It would be a shame to waste time on the “what if’s” at the expense of the joy of today.

Today, I folded up my play pen, and whisked away my list of blessings as a reminder to my head and heart…He’s more than able and I’m living proof.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

Tags: blessings, Devotional, Elizabeth, Jesus Christ, maturity, new perspective, pack and play, Withers, Women

5 Responses to “Packing Up My Pack and Play”

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Sharon says:

October 12, 2011 at 5:02 pm

thanks you for your article i love that bible verse from ephesians.
Christy says:

October 10, 2011 at 6:03 am

I really needed this devotional because I have pity parties with myself all day everyday and have been struggling to stop and allow the move of God to come into my life so when these pity moments come I am strong enough to withstand them and let go and God have his way in my life. I thank God for putting these words in your heart and using you as his vessel to minister his words and love to us. God is Love
Brenda says:

October 9, 2011 at 2:16 pm

I love this devotional, and I thank you for inspiring me today. This was definitely God-sent, and well-timed for Thanksgiving in Canada! God bless you, Elizabeth, Stephanie, and Patty!
stephanie says:

October 9, 2011 at 9:37 am

Thank you for this devotional. I have been in this place and have gone to HIS word for comfort because I know this is the only way to cope.

I keep a prayer journal. Journaling has been a part of my life since I was a child and was how I learned to express myself through words. Because of this I believe one day I will write my book. And the absolute best part of writing is this is the way I let go and let GOD.

Do I have pity parties? Yes, but not like I use to because I realize when I do it takes me off of my focus, GOD, and all the good HE has done and continues to do in my life.

Be Blessed
patty says:

October 9, 2011 at 5:26 am

Thank you so much for your post. I have been a widow for 18 mos. and every scripture verse I read brings me closer to Jesus. And peace. I have a “dispersed” family, but my church family is really great. Thanks for being there.