On Friday, Anna was supposed to go to the dentist to get her expander (to get her teeth ready for braces), but something happened and the lab did not get it there in time so we had to delay our appointment until March 22. She was really disappointed and had a good cry about it after school. As much as she had been a little nervous about the whole thing, she also was kind of excited about it, and she was just bummed that it was not working out as she had hoped. I hugged her, let her cry, acknowledged that she was sad and disappointed, tried to suggest some other things we could do to focus on something else, etc. She was still not able to let go of it. After unicycling around the block and playing a game, I also mentioned the verses that we have been memorizing.
The first one that came to mind was from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
I reminded her that this was exactly why we memorized these verses and hid them in our hearts so that they are there when we need them.
Be joyful- about the fact that this did not work out? No, of course not. But we are given an invitation to focus on other things that God has done and to choose joy.
Pray continually- I definitely needed some mercy and patience in this hour of trying to help Anna regain perspective and was asking God for intervention for sure. I also reminded Anna that she too can pray when things are stressful and overwhelming. Pray all the time.
"Please, sorry, thank you, wow!" All is welcome in His presence.
Give thanks in all circumstances- (not for all circumstances... but in all circumstances....) So we listed some things that we were thankful for that day and it began to make room for some of the dark clouds to clear a bit and to allow some light to shine through.
Psalm 119:105 reminds us that God's word is a lamp unto our feet.
I sure need His light because I am definitely stumbling in the dark without it.
Giving thanks for thoughts that indeed make my heart sing...
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