I visited Lincoln in January. That, in itself, was my first mistake. I figured it wouldn't be much colder than home - Lincoln is only three hours north. But I did pack a coat, winter hat, scarf, and gloves (mostly because my momma trained me up right and taught me to always have extra layers in case you get stranded on the side of the road. There's always a water bottle and a granola bar handy, for the same reason). My first day, I spent most of my first day inside, not noticing what the weather was doing at all. But when it came time to leave the conference and head out for dinner I realized I had made a massive mistake, leaving my coat, hat, and scarf in the hotel room.
I thought I was overreacting a little, after all it had been around 30℉ back home. After running (yes, RUN. NING.) back to my car after dinner, I pulled my phone out to check the weather app and it read 4℉. All I wanted was that hat, scarf, and coat that were back in my hotel doing nothing helpful.
I think this is one of the most painful things to watch - when someone has what they need but they refuse to use it. Are there resources available to you that you leave sitting on the table? Things that could help elevate your life, bring you peace, healing, strength, motivation?
Scripture that encourages
Podcasts that cause you to pull over to the side of the road with emotion
Meditation apps to quiet your ratcheted up mind
TedTalks from fascinating leaders
Reuniting rituals with loved ones that create safe attachment
Music that transports you to another place
Yoga by Adrienne - don't miss this on youtube dot com
There is a lot out there. Sometimes we need God to make wine out of water. Sometimes, though, we just need God to reveal to us that there is plenty of wine right before our eyes.
I know, I know, we can't predict the future, we can't see what we don't know we're about to face - I didn't know it was going to be that cold or I would have made sure to have what I needed. But you better believe I didn't leave behind my winter gear the next morning. What do you need to add to your bag tonight?