The Gift:
A few months ago, we decided to give our family the special gift of a trip to Walt Disney World for Christmas. Rather than the huge stress and spend of shopping and buying gifts that most will not even remember by next Christmas, we decided we’d make magical memories together as a family.
But, the spontaneity of an excursion like this will require some sacrifice so to receive this gift, we’re going ‘old-school’ style and that spells ROADTRIP! I’m talking pack up the truck and get yourself comfy because it’s gonna be a long, 15-hour trek across 4-state lines. Still willing to forsake the abundance of wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree? You betcha!
So, with Dad at the wheel and Mom on her App, the kids settle in for a long truck-riding nap. The weeks of planning and anticipation are finally here and visions of laughter and joy are finally coming near! Mostly true until about 4am when from the backseat, arose such a clatter, I awoke from my half-sleep to see what was the matter. “She’s taking too much room” and “give me back my book” had me giving our non-stop journey a serious, second look. But the end was in sight and there was so much more to come, spending time having fun with our precious, loved ones! 6-days to go with these grouchy bears, Lord, oh Lord, please hear my prayers! Excuse my poor rhyming but, I just couldn’t resist, it’s the details of this trip that I didn’t want missed (sorry, last one!).
Fun, Family and Fatigue:
After several years of overload, we felt our family was falling into a busy balancing act of work, school, activities and commitments that had us interacting more like business than a family. With nightly updates of who did what and tasks being assigned to keep the machine running, our connections were based more on necessity than family nurturing. Sure, we still enjoyed time together but, life schedules puts limits and boundaries on everything we do. Our Christmas excursion was meant to stop the clock somewhat and allow us time to simply BE together and enjoy the simultaneous experience of seeing beautiful things and sharing the joy and laughter that would renew and refresh our family unit.
We had lots of laughter and happy moments but we also had (many) opportunities to practice our patience and flexibility when frustration emerged. “Stop leaning on the table”; “Can you please just walk in a straight line”; “Put your phone AWAY”; “I don’t care who’s turn it is, just get in the car, NOW”; “Stop staring at me while I’m eating” (seriously, that one was me which started an avalanche of attitude that went on for hours)!
Treasure Through the Trials
There were many times throughout the trip where our dysfunction reached new levels 
of crazy. At different times, we all went sideways over one thing or another. But, in all the frustration, I realized the very foundation of our family was being strengthened. Throughout all bickering and complaining, we each became more aware of ourselves and how our own words and attitudes can impact others. We each wanted each other to have a wonderful, magical time and as time went on, we all got better practicing self-control and resolving our differences with more loving kindness.
THIS Is How WE Do Family
When I think about the mission of Elijahs Tree to give those working in ministry a chance to rest and be restored, I imagine them in a quiet, woodsy cabin where they can reconnect with God in such a peaceful way that they return renewed and refreshed to serve. Our family vacation was intended to give us the same kind of restart but it didn’t come through the constant joy that I envisioned. Instead, God gave us opportunities to practice being a better family. We developed new levels of respect for each other and discovered more about ourselves in the process. When we trust that God works all things for our good, he reveals the treasured gift of his grace through the trial [Romans 8:28].
I’m reminded also of the well-loved passage that tells us to not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [Philippians 4:6-9]. I know that God is with me and has blessed me with a beautiful family of which I am beyond grateful for and especially thankful this Christmas season for the gift of his teaching us how to be the best US he created us to be.
– Salana E. Thompson Yarger