Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.” So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do. Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. And let’s respond to God’s call with a hearty “Wilco, Lord!” Welcome my new friend and PWOC sister Lisa as she gives us a perspective we ALL need.
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We have been here at Joint Base Lewis McChord for almost 2 months now. And we still don’t have our household goods.
I know our situation is not necessarily unique among Army families, but it is new to me. The temptation to whine and complain is quite strong and there are moments when I give in to that temptation. However, there are also shining moments of lessons learned, encouragement, and humility.
As a family we have had multiple and meaningful discussions about:
- Prayer—how do we respond when God doesn’t answer as we’d like?
- Materialism—how much of what we have is want vs. need?
- Distraction—how does our “stuff” keep us from quality time and conversation with each other?
- Opportunity—looking at how this situation has given us openings to connect with neighbors and make new friends.
Has it been fun to sleep on air mattresses, sit on the floor, eat in shifts, make do with borrowed kitchen stuff, and spend hours (and dollars!) at the laundromat every week? Not always. But, has the Lord used this to teach me gratitude, humility, creativity, my need for help from others, patience, and what true blessings really are? Absolutely! And I wouldn’t trade those lessons for all the “stuff” that is still stuck in Texas.
Let me encourage and challenge you with these words from the apostle Paul (words that my family has been trying to focus on during this time):
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” ~Philippians 2:13-15 (NLT)
Is there a situation in your life where God might be calling you to shine brightly by exhibiting gratitude instead of complaint, or calm patience instead of argument? Do you perhaps feel like that is beyond your ability?
Look again at verse 13. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” We don’t have to manufacture that ability on our own to not complain or argue! He has promised his power to do so.
Don’t be shy, sisters– join the conversation and leave a comment here.
I’d like to leave you with a song. This is my theme song for this year. My prayer is that it would fill you with encouragement and hope!
Lisa is an Army Chaplain’s wife who is also an editor, writer, dark chocolate fanatic, Jane Austen reader, and movie lover. She recently graduated her first homeschool student, continues to homeschool her (now) high school freshman, and is absolutely loving her new view of mountains and trees in the Pacific Northwest. You can find her online at The Army Chap’s Wife and For Love of Words.
Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley.
