Case of the Looksies

In my experience, people who go about looking for trouble usually find it - Agatha Christie

I am currently having the case of the looksies. It’s that moment where things are actually quiet. Finally, the struggle has come and gone. We sleep through the night again. No more suffocating. Breathing is back to normal. However, I am looking and watching and waiting for that monster of trouble. For example, one bad thing happens in my day, and I am expecting the worst day to follow. Or someone says one wrong thing and I am building it in my head. I am still on edge wondering what the next horrible thing is around the corner. Have you ever experienced that? Instead of enjoying the peace, I am anticipating the pain. Sadly, this can lead to creating drama in the hopes of just getting it over with or beating the devil to the punch. Even trying to stay in constant trouble so it remains under our control. This message is for me just as much as it is for you.

First, I need to be content. I am alive. I am breathing. I am blessed. If things are quiet, I should be reveling in this moment. I should focus on all the things that make me smile. I should not look at what I don’t have or what could be coming. Instead, this moment here is everything and it is good. Reminding ourselves of the blessed present moment will help us to not nitpick on someone’s wrong attitude or our crazy busy schedule or our suspicions of how others are judging us. Sometimes I can feel God saying “Woah! Relax. Take it easy. No one is trying to fight you. You are safe.” It is all true. We are safe. It’s totally fine to put the weapons down and take a break.  Looking for the good in everything also helps to take away the annoyances and frustrations. Can’t get mad or start anything if you don’t see it, right? 

Second, I need to have faith. Fear is definitely a part of this. I’m afraid of something bad happening. I’m anxious about another storm coming. It can push us to do crazy things in the hopes of protecting ourselves. Fear should never be the driver to anything you do. It’s like giving your drunk friend the keys. Be ready to die. Faith instead puts you on that good bus of HOPE. You’re always headed in the right direction believing that God has everything in control. No matter what the future may bring, He will protect us or get us through it. The terror of the last trial is enough to make us think I will not survive. But you did. It helps to be reminded that God does not give us more than we can handle. Whatever it is and when it does come it will be okay. 

Third, I need to focus. If I am content and trusting God to handle everything I need to get to work and focus on my purpose and what it is I am supposed to accomplish. We have been distracted this entire time, worried and afraid of the next season. Now let’s get back into the game. Getting closer to our passions and changing the world. With these 3 steps we can be fully cured of the looksies. Deep breath and smile. God’s got you!