I’m Right Where I Should Be 

A couple of weeks ago, I took three of my grandchildren for a golf cart ride around the property. They love to do this, and weather permitting, we take a ride every time they visit.

We drive along the pond, the soybean field, corn field, and the hayfield, and along the edge of the tree line. We talk about all the things we see in nature on these rides. We look at the soy beans and discuss the different kinds of plants that grow in the woods. They might pick acorns off of an oak tree…even though I tell them we should save the acorns for the squirrels winter stash. I stop the cart so they can get out to touch antlers that Papa D has stuck in a fence by his scrap pile at the back of the property. We drive by the fence row so they can see the butterflies on the scattered few wildflowers we have this year. Sometimes we stop at the dock and feed the fish or just admire the view of the pond from the bench.

On this Saturday, the kids jumped into the golf cart and into their seats. Finn slides up in the front with me and Jack and Belle ride on the backwards facing seat. Jack, 7, asked if Finn was old enough to ride in the back with him and Belle. I told him not quite yet and that next summer when Finn is 4 1/2 maybe we can think about it. 

After Jack and I finished our discussion, little Finn looked up at me and patted the seat in-between us with his tiny hand and said, “I’m right where I should be.”

A pretty grown up thought for a three year old. Children can teach us a boatload of lessons if we just listen to them. Their view of life is not yet filled with prejudice, but more with purity and simplicity. The world is still brand new to them and they ask questions and make statements that come from a place of innocence. 

It made me think…how many of us are right where we should be? And can admit it? I guess a follow-up thought would be, how many of us are content where we are?

In the Bible, Paul discusses being content no matter where we are or what is currently happening in our life. That’s pretty tough, don’t you think? I mean life can be pretty bitter at times. But when you realize the state of Paul’s life as he makes this statement, it kind of puts things in perspective. I’m not in prison as was Paul. Sometimes I bind myself to feel as though I am, but clearly I am not. 

That brings me right back to my first thought. Are we right where we should be?

Even though Paul’s imprisonment was not easy for him and there was a great amount of uncertainty concerning his future, I believe he was right where he should have been. And I believe that he knew this as well. I’m not saying he in any way deserved to be imprisoned. But God used Paul in his circumstance to preach humility and contentment for our benefit.

Finn knew he was right where he should be. He knows Grandma will hold his leg when the ride gets bumpy. He realizes he’s just a little guy yet who needs a little extra protection by someone bigger than him. And he is content with that. 

Our life is a roller coaster ride of events. There’s no getting around that. You can read all about your friends’ lives on social media. Beautiful pictures of happy times. They choose what to display to the world. It’s often an illusion of a perfect life and we begin to compare our lives with theirs, only to become disappointed with every aspect of our own imperfect world. But no one is above pain, sadness, and trials. No one. And no one has a perfect…anything. 

Does this mean you aren’t where you should be? Nope. It means finding contentment where you are and using your gifts and life experiences to teach and serve others. That’s where you should be.

I am right where I should be. But what I do while in this place is totally my choice. I can dwindle it away and wish I was someplace else, or I can use the gifts God blessed me with to love and serve others. These are the same choices you have. 

Paul didn’t pity himself for his predicament. He knew that wherever he was he could still make a difference for others. He found peace in serving God from a Roman prison cell. 

Are you right where you should be?

♥️

Andi