“It’ll Do!”

June 25, 2026

“It’ll Do!”

It was a beautiful fall day for a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. My wife and daughter and I had hiked several of the hikes in one the popular areas of the park. However, there was one hike we had not yet taken. Completing that trail became our goal for the morning.

We set out on a three to four hour trek in an area that was a combination of relatively flat and twisting path as well as some areas that were somewhat rocky with a moderate elevation change. It was like nature was calling us to enjoy the beauty of the mountains. The views were stunning, the trees were beautiful, and the conversation was filled with joy and gratitude for God’s creation.

About half way to our turn around point, I noticed nature calling in a different way. And, I was not the only one! Although no one said anything, it was obvious we were checking our map for the turn around spot where we were scheduled to rest.

One of us noticed there was something called a “privy” at the place we were scheduled to take a break for water, a snack, and a little rest. I am old enough to remember the “old timers” talking about leaving the house to go to the “privy.”

My two companions had no such reference point so were dependent upon my definition of the “bathroom” for which the need was becoming increasingly urgent. When we arrived at the turn around point, it was a bit difficult to find the privy that had been promised on the map.

Finally, it came into view. My companions were very underwhelmed by what they saw. There was a metal toilet surrounded by only three walls. Yes, one side was totally open! To make matters worse, the walls were only about three feet tall.

When asked about the short walls, I offered a description I was not sure was the whole truth. I told them I thought it was so when other hikers were approaching they could see if the privy was in use.

The privy was much less than what any of us expected; no roof, missing one wall, no door, and three short walls. But, we were thankful…very thankful! One of us commented, “It’ll do!”

The hike back to our starting point was much more enjoyable because of that primitive privy at the turn around point. We were REALLY grateful!

Sometimes I don’t need the best. Sometimes I don’t need the biggest. And, sometimes I don’t need the latest model. Sometimes all I need is just what I really need rather than what I think I want or what someone else says I need.

Most of the time, what I have is enough. It may be a primitive privy somewhere in the Rocky Mountains rather than a luxurious 5-star hotel marble spa bathroom. But in its own simple and rustic way, it works and I am more than just a little grateful.

It was just enough at just the right time!

It had been 20 years since the twin brothers had seen one another. Their parting had been caused by Jacob’s deception and theft of Esau’s birthright. Jacob had blown apart his family leaving little hope of reconciliation.

In Genesis 33, we hear about the reunion and reconciliation of the two brothers. Initially, Jacob fears for his life as well as the lives of all his family. However, Esau appears to hold no grudge nor any ill-will towards his brother.

Because of his uncertainty about how the conversation will go, Jacob offers Esau a gift with the hope of smoothing over any remaining hard feelings. Esau’s response to Jacob’s gift is interesting. In Genesis 33:9 we hear; “But Esau said, ‘I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.’”

The things of the world were far less important to Esau than bringing healing and wholeness to his relationship with his brother. The brothers are grateful for the reunion and reconciliation. As they part ways, Jacob shows His gratitude for their reconciliation by building an altar to worship the Lord God.

When something will do for now, do you still want something more or something different or something better? In other words, when do you have enough?

+When do you have enough to initiate the first step towards reconciliation in a wounded relationship?

+When do you have enough to express your gratitude to the Lord God?

+When do you have enough to pray with a friend?

+When do you have enough to give a significant gift of your time, energy, and resources to the Lord God?

+When do you have enough to serve the poor in your community?

+When do you have enough to worship with other Christ-followers?

+When do you have enough to put away your envy and jealousy?

+When do you have enough to forgive the betrayer, the abuser, and the oppressor?

+When do you have enough to ask Jesus to forgive you for the harm you have inflicted?

When do you have enough for your heart to release gratitude to the Lord?

You do not have enough when you are comparing what you have or do not have with what someone else has. You do not have enough when you are frequently worried you do not have enough to meet your basic needs. You do not have enough when you give more attention to what you have or don’t have than working towards reconciliation in that one strained relationship. You do not have enough when you fail to give your worship and offer your gratitude to the Lord for what you do have.

In Matthew 6:34 Jesus puts “enough” into perspective; “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Worry and fear and anxiety as well as longing and ungodly desire and covetousness will never provide enough of what we need most. Only Jesus can provide and protect and be present with us!

In Matthew 15:33 we hear the disciples’ response to Jesus when Jesus tells them to feed several thousand people. “The disciples said to him (Jesus), ‘Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?’”

The disciples were still learning that our confidence in the abundance of our things or in the quality of our things or in the quantity of our things as well as our anxiety and fear there will not be enough of our things always gets in the way of trusting and obeying Jesus.

Jesus gives the people five loaves of bread and two fish to eat. When they are all finished there are 12 baskets of left-overs. With Jesus, there is always more than enough when we trust and obey Him.

When we trust Jesus will provide precisely the right thing at exactly the right time, our anxiety and fear and worry go away.

When we trust Jesus will provide good things to the children of God, our contentment and peace and joy will increase.

When we trust Jesus will redeem our broken relationships, forgive our sin, and give us the salvation for which we long, our hearts will fill with gratitude and praise and worship.

When those things happen, our heart and our mouth will overflow with delight in the Lord.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug