A Lesson from Elastigirl

Jeremy and I have definitely trained our kids to be flexible.

• Raising support to go to South America – meeting on other family’s schedules
• Traveling to South America (a month car ride) – many stops on the way, no routine, new people, lots of adjustments of the kids expectations
• Being in South America – not assured of same foods as in the States, McDonalds did not taste like McDonalds, fast driving, crazy driving, broken down & rusty park toys, hot heat, broken air conditioning in car & house, unknown language & culture, getting sick from food or water, being too early to everything
• Being a pastor’s family in America – helping serve the church & serving others, sometimes at a moments notice

We would have it no other way. But we all still struggle with contentment when life’s trials come. Savannah is my third and last child. She is 7 now. I would say she is definitely my most flexible child. When there is a change in expectations she is the one least likely to whine, complain, argue, or cry. She will generally find the good. We found out she got lice a week after school got out. My oldest was crying and carrying on for needing to put her stuffed animals in quarantine, but Savannah joyfully quarantined, combed & washed multiple times with no complaint and said, “At least I didn’t miss any school.” I told her I was so proud of how flexible she is and she quickly did her best to show me her yoga moves.

This reminds me of something or actually someone. Did anyone watch The Incredibles 2? We were able to see it on the first day it came out in the theaters. The mom in the movie is basically elastic. She is able to move and stretch like no other. What if we had that ability? What if when life’s situations arise we chose to adjust, be flexible, and be content?

The Biblical example is of course Paul.

Philippians 4:11-13

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

We may need to adjust our lives, our preferences, to reach all peoples everywhere with the Good News of Christ our Savior. Let us be content in all situations so that we can fulfill the mission God has given us to do.