Still trying to learn peace

Several weeks ago we were on bushfire alert. My country has a lot of bushfires during the summer and it is not uncommon for them to rip through towns and burn houses and kill people. We live on the edge of suburbia and there was a grass fire headed in our direction and not under control. So I tried to get together some things for each of us, in case it did get to our home and we had to leave, fires move fast and we knew if it came we'd have to leave quickly. It is a funny thing to look around the house and say, "ok, what can not be replaced. What do we essentially need if we had to start all over?". I settled for birth certificates and spare clothes. Kind of pleased with myself for not being too attached to particular items. Happy to just have the memories attached to things rather than being destrought at the thought of losing it.

But I lost my peace. I was stressing, complaining to Westley about having to pack our things. Annoyed that I wasn't sitting on the lounge with my feet up sipping a glass of wine. Yes! I couldn't even have a glass of wine in case we had to leave and drive away. I was thinking about if our insurance really would cover replacing everything, and stressing about that. I was praying too, so not all bad. Sunshine was watching TV. I very delicately asked her to get each child's special toy to pack in case the fire came and we had to leave. She was like "sure, ok" totally not stressed. Totally at peace, calm, did what I asked her to and then went back to watching TV. The thought of a fire coming, didn't phase her. The thought of losing all of her toys except her special one, didn't seem to bother her at all.

Ever noticed how kids don't often get stressed? As long as their parent is around and looks calm in the situation, children are relaxed and at peace. That is how we are called to live, with our Heavenly Father in control and looking after things for us. I need to be more like Sunshine, at peace, totally trusting my Heavenly Father even in the midst of something like preparing for a fire.
 
Love this scripture which is kind of related:

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."