This is a post that I recently wrote for Northview Church’s blog. I hope you all enjoy!
“I”m scared!” my 7 year-old son said to me as the rain started pounding the window and the thunder began rolling. “It will be all right”, I told him. “But I am AFRAID! What if we have a tornado?!?” This quickly ignites the anxiety of my 3 year-old, who began chiming in with his concerns. I tell them both, “Mommy has watched the weather. It’s just a small rain shower, guys. No worries!” The fear in them does not subside.
Have you ever had this happen with your own kids or someone’s kids you are watching? They are afraid of something: storms, monsters under the bed, the teen across the street with the funny hair! But you know there is nothing to fear. Because you are an adult, you know more about life, and for the most part you know when you are and are not in danger.
My anxiety started to rise due to frustration. You see, I knew there was not any severe weather in the forecast. I knew we would hear the sirens if something changed or the TV would alert us to take shelter. I felt in control. I just wished they could trust me!
If they only knew Mommy always has their best interests at heart.
If they only knew when I make them eat their veggies it’s so they will one day be strong like Daddy.
If they only knew that proper discipline today will help them have good character tomorrow.
If they only knew that I make them do their homework so that one day they can get a good job and provide for their family.
If they only knew that I will be their shelter in a storm and protect them from any physical or emotional harm within my control.
If they only knew I would lay down my life for them!
If they could just trust me… They would if they knew my heart! They would trust me…
No sooner than I had this thought, God quickly held a mirror up to my face and said, “I understand how you feel right now. This is kind of what you sound like everyday!” I almost laughed out loud at the truth in this and how I totally got His point! Wow, yeah that’s me. The one always wondering what He is up to up there. The one who is wondering why I have to “eat my spiritual veggies and do my purpose-driven homework”. I’m the one afraid to step out of the boat because I fear He won’t protect me in the storm. All the while, He is holding His hand out to me saying…
If only you knew I have your best interest at heart!
If only you knew this discipline today will help you grow like Me tomorrow.
If only you knew I will be your shelter in the storm and will give you strength to deal with any emotional or physical harm that comes your way.
If only you would remember, I laid down my son’s life for you!
If you could just trust Me…If you knew my heart you would…You would trust me.
Isn’t it ironic?
Written by Natalie Chandler
Natalie Chandler, MA, LMHC is a therapist at Imagine Hope Counseling Group. Natalie enjoys doing marriage counseling, individual counseling, and couples counseling. We also specialize in family counseling, child, and adolescent counseling. Imagine Hope serves the Indianapolis area including the surrounding areas of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, and Zionsville