Thursday, August 07, 2008

Anxiousness

When I write twice in one night, it is a sure sign I am suffering from insomnia.

In an effort to squeeze every last bit out of the last few days of Summer, the children and I have taken a roadtrip. We are at my parents' for a few days of hometown fun. If only I could go to sleep. I miss my husband and keep putting off going to bed as if he'll walk in the door any moment. And the Diet Coke I drank at 9pm was probably not such a great idea either.

I have had several questions over the last few days regarding how I am doing with the thought of the children making such a big school change next week. Mercifully, God has blessed me with incredible peace. I know next Thursday morning will be bittersweet, but I am more convinced than ever that this move to individual classes is going to be a huge developmental opportunity for all of us. (And I am writing this tonight so I can refer back to it in any future moments of doubt and uncertainty.)

I think it is no accident that one of the trio's favorite songs these days is based on Phillippians 4: 5-7:
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

It has been so helpful for me to hear this verse over and over as we listen in the car. Then to solidify the lesson, P asked me yesterday, "Mom, what does anxious mean?"
I explained that it meant worried or fearful and that God did not want that for us. He wanted us to trust Him to take care of things rather than waste our time worrying.
A few moments later from the back seat I heard P using a deep 'bad guy' voice as he was playing with a little wooden man, "I'm a bad guy. I'm Anxious. I'm Anxious Man!!"

What a funny kid.

3 comments:

Kim said...

Oh how funny! Kids do have a way of putting things in perspective in so many ways.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm often visited by the "bad anxious man". Worry and anxiety are common for me no matter how hard I try. My favorite verses are the Phil. 4 verses. I'm currently reading a book "Calm My Anxious Heart" - great!
May God calm your anxieties.

Trudy said...

I think I know Anxious Man a little too well. I feel the same about school this year - we're going from 4 yrs. of homeschooling back to traditional school. I think it is God's will. I'm trying to place all the unknowns in God's hands.

thank you for pointing out the verse - I need to repeat it over and over.