A lesson about nothing

This post is, in fact, about nothing. Read on :)

I was having a conversation on the phone with a dear friend. We were catching up on the happenings in each others lives, but the main purpose was to offer my prayers and support for her family as they were met with unexpected circumstances surrounding her husband's health. The night before, I prayed about the conversation that we would have - that I would be able to offer support, yet point her to the true healer. Somewhere in the middle of that conversation, it was her words that pointed me to Him.

As we were discussing a future get together, we turned to discuss the kiddos as we often do (should we bring them or not?). She said that likely she'd have her girls there. And I quickly began to plan how I could NOT have mine there.

Why?

Well, quite frankly, this is where D struggles the most - playing cooperatively and appropriately with other kids. And it honestly fills me with anxiety to even contemplate having him play with other kids. Heaven forbid if they do not want to play Star Wars....

Without hesitation, this friend lovingly responded, "I WANT your kids there, especially if I bring mine."

And those words were enough. 

Simply, I believe that we all desire to feel wanted. With those words, my feelings of anxiety were proved to be unnecessary - WE ARE WANTED.  God tells us there is no need for anxiety -

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6)

That is how our heavenly Father feels about us - we are wanted, we are loved.  And we are wanted no matter the circumstances surrounding us, whether it be difficult children, health issues, job difficulties, addiction, etc.

How can I be anxious about nothing?  Because of who HE is.

Psalm 139 tells us that he knows us, He knows every word before it is ever on our tongue. He knit us together in our mother's womb and we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

So, I am resting in these words today. He knows me and my son, and he wants us on our best day and our worst day (and we have lots of worst days around here). There is NOTHING that is too big or too much for God, and that he hears our requests. We just need to listen for his response...

I'm thankful for such a loving friend.  A friend who can put God's love into action with simple words of acceptance.  If I fully rest in the fact that there is nothing to worry about, fear and anxiety will not have a hold on me, keeping me from doing things. 

And I am going to bring my kids along for our next get together...May the force be with you!


xoxo,
Chele