My husband and I were finally able to go on a long-awaited vacation recently. We rented a little cabin for a week to just get away for some peace and quiet and rest. I had high expectations of coming home renewed and refreshed. But as often happens, things didn’t go quite as I hoped.

The tiny cabin was a little too tiny for us, but we made do. I thought I would be able to enjoy the woods around it, but it was built into the side of a mountain, so we had to stay put on that little patch of ground. The weather didn’t cooperate to enjoy nearby state parks. We spent much of the time going for long rides to see the countryside. It was a nice time, just not what I’d expected.

So, I had a lot of time to think and talk with the Lord as we traveled around taking in the beauty of the area. At first, I was disappointed that nothing was going the way I’d planned. I’ve been so weary for so long, and the burdens of life have been weighing heavy upon me. I had hoped this time away to leave it all behind and just rest would be a sort of retreat and I would return energized and renewed.

But as I realized that would not be the case, I surrendered my expectations to the Lord and sought His perspective in this circumstance. As always, when we seek the Lord for truth and how He looks at our situations, He was faithful to use this time to give me what I really needed. He taught me some valuable lessons that could prove to be life-changing.

The Lord showed me that even if this vacation had gone just as I wanted, a week away would not really change anything. I would still be returning home to everything I’d left behind – all the problems, worries and cares, the weariness of soul and heaviness of heart. That was where I needed His help to make changes so I could rise above them and live in His peace and rest.

I immediately felt much better. The discouragement lifted and I felt much lighter. The circumstances were not going to suddenly change, but I could change the way I dealt with them. I may not have all the answers yet, but I knew where to start. As I shift my focus onto the Lord and seek His wisdom and direction, He will guide me step by step to the necessary changes. It will take time, but I have much hope that I can get beyond all that’s been weighing me down.

It’s time for me to surrender all control of my life to the Lord and let go of the busyness and all the things I think I need to do, or others think I should do, and distractions that keep me from all the best that God has for me. As I let go of my plans and things that have no value in the greater scheme of things, I can then have time to allow God to work through me to accomplish the plans and purposes He has for me. As I rest in His strength, this will bring renewal and fulfillment.

I am so thankful that God knows exactly what we need and how to bring it about. As we are willing to let go of unrealistic expectations and seek God for His perspective and direction, He will lead us to what is best for us.