Have to or Get to?

I recently saw an article about this but before I could read more than the first sentence, something interrupted me and I had to stop. I never did get back to the article but as I rode today, “get to” kept popping into my thoughts. More often than not, when something needs to be done my response is that I “have to” do it. What if instead I realize that I “get to” do it?

For example when the dishes need to be washed this means several things. I get to wash them because first of all it means I own real dishes that require washing, not disposable ones that need to constantly be replenished. It means I have running water to do this with and that I’ve had food to eat that required putting it on dishes. It also means I still have good enough health that allows me to accomplish this task.

I know there have been times in the past year when my reply to someone wanting to schedule a meeting that required my attendance was, ” I have to take my mom to an appt. so we need to pick another date/time.” I don’t have to take her, I get to take her. This means I have available transportation to do this and more importantly it means my mom is still with us to need to go to an appointment and that is a blessing! I know I’ve said it before, but our perspective can definitely change how we see and do things.

I didn’t ride as long today as I would have liked to but that was my own fault. I saw sunshine and thought RIDE and in a hurry to get on the bike I wasn’t properly prepared. 🤦‍♀️ I didn’t take into account that the sun would start setting soon and the temperatures would start dropping. I should have had on my chaps, my full face helmet, and my warmest gloves, but did I? Nope I had what I refer to as a “brain fart.” As I considered that while my fingers and cheeks were getting chilly, I remembered that my youngest son lovingly used to tell me what I had was actually “brain diarrhea.” Boys are such a joy to raise!! Honestly he was right sometimes though.

Ironically while I was recalling his comment today I was almost run over by a manure truck. I had seen the truck stopped at the end of the side road watching traffic go by before pulling out and as long as I’d been watching him he seemed to be very aware of the traffic. I guess that was only car traffic that was going his direction because just as I got almost to him he decided to pull out right in front of me. Thank the good Lord I had slowed down as a precaution, the remaining oncoming traffic was far enough back that I was able to swerve into the opposite lane far enough to go around him without being hit and I was able to get back in my own lane before the oncoming traffic was too close. I’m thankful that my rear tire had been replaced and was no longer bald, that I have experience with quick reactions that are sometimes needed, and that I had learned some good riding skills from my hubby. Because of all of that falling into place as needed and the good Lord watching over me, I arrived home safely and now I get to write about it. 🤗

If you’re like me and find yourself saying you have to do things; laundry, cooking, cleaning, working, running errands, just remember we get to do them. Even the mundane things that need to be done can remind us we are blessed to be able to do them if we stop and think about it. What we take for granted others only wish they could have or do. No matter what your circumstances are, there is always someone else that would be grateful to be in your shoes, or anyone’s shoes for that matter. Every day is a new opportunity to get to do things. There is always something to be grateful for.

Colossians 3:23

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, not to men.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.