To be honest, it was a bit of an ordeal to get to this moment (typing this blog).
The ordeal started yesterday.
I had to pack for an overnight stay, travel six hours, arriving after 9:00 p.m. last night, sleep in a bed that is not my own and am now sitting at someone’s table (yet to be decided) drinking coffee from my own coffee maker (which I had to including in my packing).
But…
I’m not complaining. The packing, travel, sleeping in strange beds, and a dozen other little complications just comes with the package–the package of serving as the Bishop for several churches scattered throughout the Dakotas and Montana.
But there’s more…
Also coming with that package includes special weekends like this weekend in Union Center. Sonja and I have come to love these people. They are special friends that we care about. We count it a privilege to be here to help them celebrate the Advent Season and help them in their search for a new pastor.
The aforementioned complications? Just a part of the package.
*****
That’s how all of life is.
For those of you who are early on in your “Til death do we part” journey–a part of the package includes irritating quirks, disagreements, and compromise. It will eventually include age spots, wrinkles, and a few extra pounds. That’s just a part of the deal. Is it worth it? As they say in the Dakatoes, “You betcha!”
Children? They are a package deal too. They come with dirty diapers, dirty feet tramping in mud and eventually those same dirty feet (metaphorically) trampling on your heart from time to time. It all comes with the package of parenthood.
Work? Vacations? Extended family? Holidays? You betcha.
Bottom line, life is a package deal. Some of it really good, much of it rather routine, and some of it pretty ugly. The sooner we embrace that and stop expecting life to measure up to our expectations and wishes the sooner we can begin to experience the many benefits that comes with the package.
The ONE THING for today:
The next time you find yourself tempted to really be bothered just say, “Chill out self! That just comes with the package.”
The ONE THING 
Most excellent! Love how you stated all that comes with “the package.” Absolutely stunning photograph! I can honestly say, wish I was there! I had to smile. My middle sister, who I recently lost, used to say, “you betcha.” Blessings, Claudia
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing the beautiful picture of God’s handiwork love It!
LikeLiked by 1 person