Overflow!

They say traveling brings out the BEST and the worst. I ponder this familiar statement and read, "may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13 NIV).

Above 40,000 feet in the air, the worst happened with multiple moments of explosive vomit. I sat in my confined middle seat and questioned, "should we just go home?" But, I heard God boldly say time and time again, "the BEST is yet to come!" So, with little faith and a smudge of doubt I mumbled a prayer, "vomit cannot be the BEST...I choose to receive only the BEST oh Lord." 

The best did come...

The BEST exhibited itself by exploring European culture, swimming in caves of the Mediterranean Sea, eating fresh Italian pasta and glorious gelato, deepening new and old friendships, discovering breathtaking landscapes upon ATV's and bikes, and looking up at the stars as the waves crashed upon the shore. 

Sometimes the BEST requires patience and a willingness to wait. Furthermore, the BEST requires perseverance and hope for what cannot be seen or even touched. In addition, the BEST requires an eagerness to receive what your Heavenly Father has already provided in advance for you to simply experience. 

Truthfully, the BEST might not be what you envisioned or anticipated or even expected. As a result, the best ironically endures a point of completion and a verbalized goodbye.  The old saying states, "every good thing comes to an end." But, I'd like to add that the best always ends so another beautiful piece of life can be explored and experienced. 

So, I've returned home and frequently been asked, "how was Europe?" I cannot help, yet glow and respond with a single response, "the BEST!" Ironically, I returned home to hear discouraging news. Hence, I am realizing the power of declaring the best upon the days and weeks before me and especially on those whom I love. Furthermore, when I don't understand certain pieces of life, it is actually an opportunity to humbly ask God, "please reveal only the best..." For sometimes His best is discovered in seasons of waiting; endured in transitions with such perseverance; and simply accepted with mere awe and wonder because it's right before you! 

In the process of unpacking the contents of my backpack, I realized that overflow comes from a point of believing and declaring the best!  I re-read the passage and began to declare the best in a place of overflow. So, "may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13 NIV).

Will you join me in declaring the best?

Charlene

P.S. And I pray that you may discover God's abundant overflow for you just like this picture from Greece!