Current big sin

So as a Christian, I can easily admit to sinning every day.  It is in our nature as humans to do so (thanks Eve).  As the different days go by, I am guilty of different sins.  Currently my biggest sin has been coveting.  Specifically, coveting those going fun places on vacation.

It's no secret to any of you that I am completely addicted to warm sunshine.  It automatically puts me in a better mood.  I wouldn't be surprised if I have some sensitivity to Seasonal Affect Disorder.  That being said, it seems like EVERYONE is going somewhere warm and sunny for vacation.  I'm so jealous!!!  I would absolutely love to go somewhere with a warmer climate right now.  Whether it's my friend at church that is heading out on a cruise around Italy with her granddaughters, other friends taking their children to Disneyland for the first time, or 3 different independent neighbors heading across the ocean to Hawaii.  It's been so long since I've traveled anywhere and I don't see a tropical destination anywhere in my future.  Yes, I'm feeling sorry for myself.

It also seems like a bunch of people I know are moving to warmer climates which got me thinking: why am I stuck here?  What purpose did God have for me to exist in this frigid atmosphere that is more expensive (compared to the midwest or south) and filled with gray skies with only brief reprieve?  In the past 2 months, I've seen people move to Georgia, Florida, & Hawaii.  What about me?  Why am I stuck in this icebox environment everyday?  As last summer proved, we can't even count on 3 solidly warm summer months.

Did you know I've always had a dream of moving to Arizona?  15 or so years ago, it was significantly cheaper to live there vs. here and I was going to sell all my possessions and just drive with me and my cat to start over.  It never happened, but I still think that would be a wondeful place to live.  Over the years I've seen many move there and post beautiful pics on Facebook.  Alas, it is not meant to be as I see no scenarios where me and my family would move outside of our current area.  And believe me, I would love to think there's a chance for us to thrive in a warm environment.

Growing up my family did not travel much to speak of.  We did a lot of camping and did the Disneyland thing a few times, but we didn't board any planes or stay in hotels in tropical destinations.  After high school, I managed a few warm excursions, but not in the last 8 years.  My mom had big dreams of travel and managed a few trips before she died, but I know that she had a lot more spaces in her passport that she wanted to fill.  I have feelings of dread that I will follow in her footsteps....my dreams of travel will be just that: dreams.  Will I die before getting to see the beautiful places I long to visit?

Reality finally grounded me this morning while in the shower (isn't that where all epiphanies are revealed?): if I am meant to visit these beautiful places, then I will.  I believe that God puts people in the places they are meant to be.  If I am meant to travel to certain places before I die, then I will.  Rather than give in to this sin each day, I need to trust in Him that I am exactly where I'm supposed to be.  No regrets.

However, here are a few places I'd like to visit someday:
*Italy
*Palm Springs
*New York
*South Carolina
*Spain
*Figi
*Belize
*Greece
*Scottsdale
*Disneyworld
*Atlantis Resort
*Maui
*French Riviera

Just a few.....and God-willing, I will.