Enjoying the Process

What an amazing day yesterday was! I found out on Friday that our office was closed in observance of President's Day, removing the requirement for me to be at work on Monday! I did have some things to do so I did not cancel my previously scheduled meeting. The Lord was again gracious, allowing me to finish my work quickly and return home around noon! As we were eating lunch, my wife had this crazy idea of going to Ikea. Now, I am not an advocate for spontaneity, but my wife is; so we went with the idea. As we headed south on I-5, the kids and I dozed off for a little nap. Not only is it amazing that I slept in the car, but also the nap was short and sweet! Because we went on a Monday, the traffic was less than normal. Traffic was slow on 405 in some construction zones and near our exit. I was extremely grateful to the Lord for little traffic! My wife and I were able to have good conversation without the stress due to traffic! The kids slept for most of the trip! It was a nice drive!

As we entered Ikea, the place was teeming with people! We had to park a little ways away from the entrance, but it was a nice walk. Hannah copped an attitude when I asked her if she wanted to push a cart. The Lord was again gracious, giving me control over my temper which flared up rather quickly with her petty whining. Once inside it was a veritable smörgåsbord of home furnishings. As we approached the "kiddies" section, our eyes were met with a plethora of bunk beds, the sleeping equipment that will allow us to efficiently use all of the children's bedroom space. The children enjoyed running around and playing on the beds. Next we visited a play area. Hannah and Ben enjoyed this as well, running from toy to toy, climbing in and out of tents, and crawling through long tubes! It was a lot of fun! It was challenging to keep from purchasing some of their quality furniture at such great prices. However, we only had the Camry and I did not want to walk home carrying a bunk bed!

Our last stop was the Burger King located just down the road from Ikea! The kids had fun playing on the play toy and messing their pants. Bek and I had fun changing the diapers and watching the kids! What a great time!

I guess Burger King was not our last stop because we went to Bek's parent's house so I could do some homework. The kids again enjoyed spending time with Papa and watching Ice Age II. On the way there Bek and I were able to spend some time sharing some of the things for which we were thankful. It was a great day!

As I have learned from Soloman, the sanctification process is definitely enjoyable when Christ is the focus. When He is out of focus, there is no joy. I thoroughly enjoy rejoicing in Christ throughout all of life! I have been fighting hard to retain joy in Him this year. After a long time with little joy, it is rejuvenating to again live the joy-filled life! Joyous living is only possible through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. To Him be all of the glory!