Carson In Washington

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5,6

On Saturday, Bobby and I put Carson on an airplane and he flew off by himself to Washington, DC. Five months ago, when his teacher nominated him to go to the Junior National Young Leaders Conference, I had some serious doubts. He's only eleven, he's never been away from home without his family before, Washington is a big city and I don't know anyone there, how can I put him on a plane and let him fly off to spend a week with people he doesn't know ... the list went on and on.

But Carson really wanted to go and it seemed like it would be a good opportunity for him.

I was really struggling with this decision and praying about it and God brought a lot of peace into my heart. So Bobby and I told Carson if he could raise the money he needed to get there, he could go. And within three - four weeks, Carson had $2500 in his Washington fund, just what he needed.

Okay God ... I guess you really do want him to go.

The process to get Carson to Washington was underway. And all went smoothly.

And then Saturday morning came along, and I actually had to go through with letting my little son fly off by himself. It was easy enough to talk about his going. It wasn't even difficult to get him ready to go. But Saturday morning, I woke up with a heavy heart. I was really going to have to put my little boy on a plane and trust God that he'd be okay.

And when he walked down that runway to the plane, I could not stop the tears from flowing. And I prayed, "God, please take care of my little boy."

It's easy sometimes to talk about our faith, to say we really trust God, but when the rubber meets the road, what do you really believe?

The rubber met the road for me on Saturday ...

My little boy has had a wonderful time in Washington. His plane trip was uneventful and on schedule. He has had full days of site seeing and leadership focus groups. He has been to the White House, the National Monuments and even a trip to Harper's Ferry for a Civil War re-enactment.

The excitement in his voice each night when he calls us before bed is so sweet. Carson is not normally an excitable little boy, but he's stepped out of his comfort zone this week and as a result, he's been blessed.

I'm driving back to Lauderdale tomorrow to pick up my little boy. No dread this trip ... just excitement to see him again and hear all about his journey.

I am so thankful I followed my peace; I trusted God and Carson got to experience the adventure of his life.

Father, you are so good. You care about every aspect of our lives, the big things and the little. This trip was a big thing for Carson and you've allowed him to have a week that he'll never forget. You've allowed him to step out of his little world and see so much more. And you've showed him you are faithful, every step of his journey. Thank you Jesus for loving my Carson even more than I do.

I Love You Jesus.
In Your Name I Pray,
Amen

God Bless You!

Love,
Joyce

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