A little voice piped up from the backseat, “are we there yet”? I surveyed our surroundings and realized we had not even made it to the highway. A deep sigh, followed by a quick “no”, traveled to the kids in the back. Oh, the joy of vacation.

Many years of the familiar leaves me wanting some of those days to return. Not in all their glory, but just the ones that make you sigh contentedly because they feel just right.

As I ready myself for vacation this year with my grown sons, I know I wouldn’t want it any other way. A touch of the familiar will accompany my preparations and conversations of vacations from the past will surely enter the rhythm of traveling together. The only thing missing will be the little voices from the backseat asking, “are we there yet”? At least I hope so.

Much of my journey to knowing God is now laced with the familiar. Some of the same questions that young children ask their parents are ones that I find I ask too. Questions like “why” and “how do I do this”? And just like a parent, God patiently replies even if it is the 100th time.

There is something so reassuring about being known. As a parent it sometimes looks like predictability from established routines. It’s when your child says “I love you mommy” knowing you are going to say it in return. The feeling of knowing what to expect is part of this journey.

[Tweet “Being known takes your expectations and turns them into promises.”]

You don’t need to worry about what’s next because the foundation of your future is already in place. God takes each question we ask, fear we hold onto, and uncertainty about what’s next and changes them into His beautiful promises.

He promises:

Come to me when you are weary and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28

Nothing is impossible with God. – Mark 10:27

He is a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. – Nehemiah 9:17

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6

God listens, hears, answers and never tires of loving us. His promises are endless and true. God is constant and unchanging.

Just as a parent knows her child, God knows every intimate detail about us. I can’t get enough of the reminder that God chose me and knew me even before I was born. When I was just a twinkle in God’s eyes, He had already planned out every word, sentence, and chapter of my story.

Even before each of my sons made their way into the world, I did a similar thing. I dreamed of their future and planned so many things for them. All the love I knew filled my heart as I waited expectantly for them to enter the world and into my life.

I know God does the same for each of us. He has a plan and a future and a story written outlining everything He knows about us. When I read these words from 1 Corinthians, I sat in gratitude that God, the Father, knows me and loves me.

But whoever loves God is known by God. – 1 Corinthians 8:3, NIV

I was the child who sat in the backseat while growing up asking the question, “are we there yet”? My mom and dad loved me enough to answer over and over. Then I became the parent answering the question for my sons.

The gift of a God who knows you and desires nothing more than for you to love Him and follow Him, is available for everyone. Our questions, doubts, praises, and gratitude are not burdens to God. That is the joy of a gracious Father who knows us.

The best part is that we don’t need to ask God if we are there yet, because He knows the way and He is the Way!

[Tweet “Join me in sharing and linking up your own encouraging story at the #TellHisStory linkup.”]

#TellHisStory Link Up
Each week we gather here as storytellers, word weavers, and encouragers to make His name known. Our story is God’s story and this small corner of the blogging world, where we come together each Tuesday, needs you. This is a place where poetry, snapshots, prayers, and stories find a safe spot to nod in agreement that what we have to say matters.
I am glad you are here and would love to have you join the #TellHisStory community. Add your own encouraging post through the link below. Spread some love by visiting your neighbor and leave your own encouragement. Add the #TellHisStory button to your post so others can join in on the fun. Click HERE to get the button.
Your story matters and the #TellHisStory link up continues because of you!
Blessings,
P.S. I am on vacation this week. I love that you are here and I will get to your comments as time allows. Will you kindly share and encourage each other? Your words matter and your story is welcome here.
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