You HAVE to be kidding

It has been awhile since I've blogged. I got back from General Assembly and went straight to work putting together a camp for children going into grades 4,5 & 6 next year. I hadn't planned on directing this camp, but it was going to be cancelled because the original director backed out. I didn't think that was acceptable, so naturally I am now directing =)

As I have looked over the list of kids coming, I must admit I have some anxieties. Children with ADHD and one with some other behavioral issues. What HAVE I signed up for? But then I must remember that my assumptions about how things are or are going to be are not always right.

For instance, my perception of my almost 3 year old Border Collie is that he is crazed. After all, he did practically flunk out of dog obedience 101. But when out playing Frisbee with him in the park, more than one person has commented, "What an obedient dog." My reaction--you have to be kidding me, right?

Take for another instance, my perception of our outing the other night to a local restaurant with our 3 year old child. The whole time, I felt like I was working overtime trying to keep her calm and was worried that she was bothering everyone around us. But as we left, a man said, "Ma'am. I want you to know that your child is so well behaved." My reaction--you have to be kidding me, right?

Take for a final instance my perception that I could personally stand to lose a little weight. I think I looked better when I was a size or two smaller. But a couple of Sundays ago, a female church member said, "you have the nicest figure!" Of course she was 95, but my reaction--you have to be kidding me, right?

So often I get it in my head that things are one way, but often they aren't...or others don't see it the way I do. I am glad that God sees things differently. That God doesn't believe the negative self talk or negative perceptions that we have about ourselves and others. God keeps telling us, "You're MY special child." And our reaction--you have to be kidding me, right?

Lucky for us, God is good at changing perceptions and minds.

Journey on...