Ever have a hectic day? The schedule is completely off, and you’re faced with making decisions and bombarded with so much new information that your head spins? The kind of time when your normally sweet self goes MIA?
Recently, Hubby and I took our youngest child on a college visit. As we traveled the campus on foot, sat through a class, and met with an admissions counselor, my heart tried not to think about the empty nest that was coming. Instead, I focused on the deadlines, interviews, and all those details to sort.
By the time I arrived home to get dinner on the table, I was frazzled, disgruntled, and uncharacteristically negative. After dinner, I sank into my sofa and muttered, Lord, I need Your peace.
I bet you’ve been there. What is your go-to when peace is hiding?
Mine was once a few stolen moments with a piece of dark chocolate. Ahh, the sweet solitude of a little sugar! The prophet Isaiah offers a better solution: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast; because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
When I can reflect on the day that steals my peace, I see how events, people, and even altered schedules can confuse and overwhelm me. My brain scampered to comprehend while my heart processed preparation for a new chapter of life.
Days when I’m out of schedule and out of sorts, I need to return my thoughts on Him. Yes, my daily life will change. I am going to miss her desperately. Just as I did our first when she left, and am still adjusting to our second getting married a few months ago. They are each leaving home. They are each finding her calling and God-created purpose, and I am so proud of who each daughter is.
But oh my, do I miss my girls!
But God has them.
And He has me.
My part in all this is to trust Him. Trust He has each in the palm of His hand, (He absolutely does.) And trust His plan for me as parenting takes a much smaller demand on my time.
After a good night’s rest, and a little time with Him the next morning, my positive attitude returned, and although I released a few tears, I was able to smile.
I can take life too seriously at times. I need to remind myself to zoom out and look at the big picture. I need to practice a little humor. I need to trust God with the details. I need to let Him keep me in peace as I keep my mind on Him.
Are you with me? Do you too, need a little help navigating this life and trusting God to help handle it? He will come through for us if we ask. Let’s ask Him together for just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know what threatens my peace. It’s whatever tears my eyes from You. Please help me pay attention to that. And God, when I do get distracted, please help me to quickly identify the diversion and readjust my mind to start thinking about and communicating with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.