God Cares for You

After a week riddled with disappointments and frustrations, I wanted nothing more than to enjoy our family road trip in peace.

The day started off as planned. We arrived at the ferry terminal just as the golden rays of sunrise flickered over the rippling ocean waves. During our first several hours on the island, we ate delicious pastries, caught stunning views of the mountains, and even coerced our little dog into going on a hike.

There were little hiccups along the way that threatened my joy, but I held fast to my resolve, even jotting down in my journal that “God’s plan is so much greater than mine.”

The enemy saw that as a challenge.

In the mid-afternoon, we decided we wanted to catch an earlier ferry since the one we had reserved would bring us home after midnight. We could even watch the sunset at a beach on the way home.

My favorite part of every trip is the sunset. It reminds me of God’s beauty and creativity, filling me with His presence and hope.

And boy, did I need some hope after the week I had.

We sat in line for the ferry for almost an hour before cars started their engines. Inch by inch, car by car, I prayed that we’d make it.

But then the cars started circling back. Our line never even got to move.

And the next ferry wasn’t due to arrive for another three hours.

The worst part was, we couldn’t leave the line now that we were already in it. So much for exploring the island, much less seeing the sunset.

I was devastated–much more so than what was probably warranted for the situation. My joy was hinged on this one moment with God, and now even that seemed taken away from me.

After shedding a few tears in the sweltering car, I trekked down to the docks by the terminal. There were many groups of fellow passengers stuck in the same boat. Or rather, wishing we were all on a boat.

Though this should’ve brought some consolation, I was filled with bitterness. Here I was, alone and miserable, while they were laughing and enjoying life together.

As the clock ticked and the ferry was nowhere in sight, my last smidgen of hope that I’d even see a glimpse of the sunset vanished. There were trees blocking my view on either side of the docks.

In truth, I was upset with God. I prayed for weeks that this trip would be meaningful, especially since I haven’t been able to travel in so long. This was supposed to be the highlight of summer, but instead it felt like the climax of a disappointing week.

But God kept nudging my heart. Be patient. Keep waiting. I’m still here.

The sun fully disappeared below the skyline by the time we made it on the ferry. Still, I snatched my camera bag and rushed to the upper deck just in case.

And sure enough, God was there.

In a brilliant display of deep oranges and blues, twilight fell upon the ocean as our ferry chugged away from shore. It was so incredibly beautiful, it took my breath away.

It wasn’t the sunset, but it was even more special. And somehow, it lasted for an entire hour–our whole ferry ride back–becoming even more magnificent with each passing minute. (Enjoy my snapshot of this view in the featured image!)

Many of my insecurities are rooted in the fear of missing out. I’ve often struggled with feeling like I’m not where I want to be at this stage of my life.

But God was reminding me, with a simple yet elegant night sky, that He cares for me. His plan is better than mine because He thinks in eternal terms, while I am stuck with my limited understanding.

And His perfect plan is worth waiting for.

So how can we wait without becoming idle or restless?

By praying that God prepares us for what’s to come. We are already living out His will for us, even on the days that feel mundane. As we grow in reliance on God, we will become more and more like Jesus, which is the ultimate goal of God’s plan.

It’s easy to forget who God is, and thus doubt that He knows what He’s doing. But God is perfect in every way, which means we can trust Him. He created us and loves us more than we’ll ever be able to comprehend.

My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them.

Jeremiah 24:6 (NIV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)