Maybe it is just me and I am crazy. I would rather hold on to the idea that I am not the only one suffering from drama induced crisis caused by lots of little unimportant occurrences.
The great big life changing events and crisis come along. There may be a pause to absorb but for the most part I naturally go to those old faithful verses such as 2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Grace, Strength and the Power of Christ step in and carry me in those times of weakness.
Yet when the days seem normal and routine, it’s the little things that catch me. My self induced dramatic meltdowns over, well let’s face it, nothing earth shattering. When you really step back and take a look there are generally easy solutions at worst or at best there isn’t really anything that needs solving. It’s just a matter of remembering what matters most. But here I am yelling at my kids, fussing at my husband or on a good day sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor crying. Why?
Because my house is a mess, the laundry is piled high, the washer won’t start while the three times rescheduled repair is four days away. Because the boys are loud, climbing everything and anything, their handprints, shoe prints and face prints on every piece of furniture, door and window in the house. Because toys are everywhere and I stub my toe (and it hurts). Because when I answer “No” to a question I get back a list of twenty five reasons why the answer I really meant to give was “yes”. Because all of a sudden I heard myself repeated in the words of my child; I did not like what I heard. Because I went to the store for the fifth time this week and still forgot the milk (which was the very reason I went in the first place). Because dinner did not turn out as planned, it did not happen at all or better yet the take out order was totally wrong. Because my prescription wasn’t ready on time, the gas light in the car was on and I was late for an appointment. Because everyone needs something and “mommy” and “I want” are said in the same breath WAY too often. Because life gets messy.
It’s the little things! The everyday, routines of life all strung together that can steal the joy and peace. Alone they have little power to take me down. However, one at a time they gradually begin to weave themselves in and out of the day. Sneaking in little by little until that moment when that last “little” thing hits and meltdown mode begins. The Ugly, UnChrist like comes out and the worry, stress or fretting over those ‘little things’ steals the joy for that day.
As I reflect upon how quickly I allow the random stresses, those inconvenient, often frustrating and even difficult moments to allow me to loose sight of what matters most; I do not like what I see. I want His Grace to be sufficient in ALL things, big and little. My desire is to reflect Christ in me through my responses to all that life throws my way.
It is a journey that is just begun and has a long way to go. As the laundry continues to pile up, schedules interrupted and as toys continue to trail across the floors I pray for the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
As I attempt to be more aware of those “little” moments and “joy stealing” circumstances in each day may I be intentional in seeking out Christ’s words as my reminders and my strength when I am weak.
Luke 12:25-28 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!
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