You are so safe

Good morning. A couple of hours ago I woke to the not quite desperate, but close, voice of Sophia, my 5 year old, “Mommmmmiiiiiieeee!” from her room. Over the years these visits have taken on a wide variety of concerns and conversations, most of which have not been earth shattering so, being always concerned about my wife getting all the bonding time she can with the kids I asked her if she wanted to go. “No, if it’s Sophia, it’d be better if you did.” Ok, so as I rolled out of bed and staggered to her room, I started to ask in my head why exactly it was better for me to go and then reminded myself that it was a chance to see my little one for a precious minute – even if it was 3:00 AM.
I walked into her room, straight to her little princess-like bed (she is, after all, the little princess in the family) and found her eyes WIDE open and her breathing heavy. She pressured out the words, “Daddy,” almost sighing it out, as if the name itself was already bringing her relief, “I had a bad thought.” This to Sophia means any number of things, like bad dream, scary thought, saw a shadow, etc, but none good.
Easing out of my sleepiness, I slowly touched her golden blond hair and looked intently straight into her eyes, “Honey, you are so safe. There is a magical force field of God’s love around you all the time and mommy and daddy are right here protecting you too. God guards you with His angels. You have nothing to be afraid of.” Her fear melted away, her eyes softened at first and then closed, the tightness and anxiety in her body relaxing in trust of me and the words/touch I had brought and great big, loving God who backed me. She may have been asleep before I left a few seconds later.
It was then that I realized, as she relaxed in my presence, that it was very good that I had gone and not Melissa. You see, sometimes I really struggle with “bad thoughts.” I begin to get afraid of what the future might hold. I look around me and see the trouble and pain and loss. I see the circumstances. I see the failure of people. I feel the pressure. I see my own inconsistencies and inadequacies and I begin to doubt God. I wonder if He is there and taking care of all the details or more often if He would do anything in someone as messed up as me. Sometimes I even spiral in these thoughts and they begin to dominate me – threatening to swallow up my faith in storms of worry. I am not excited to admit this to you, but it is real, raw and where I live.
It is at times like this that it is really good to be a dad – my message for my 5 year old, so heartfelt and true – is exactly God’s message for me. I could almost feel him touch me on the shoulder, then pull me into His arms, as I sat on Sophia’s bed. “Jason, you are so safe. I am watching over everything you do and are and are becoming. I have you. Be at peace.” And there, a princess’ room becomes a sanctuary where God speaks to little girls and their daddies and storms of doubt and worry melt away in the protection and magical force fields that our God brings.
In Colossians Chapter 1, the Message version, it says, “I, Paul, have been sent on special assignment by Christ as part of God’s master plan (italics and bold are mine)…” This may seem like something very easy to pass by as you may begin the reading of Colossians, ready to delve into some major, heavy truth. But, don’t let yourself move past it too fast. This is amazing. God has a “master plan.” He has people included in it. I am part of it and so are you and so are all of us, all of creation. I don’t know about you, but that is a peaceful thought to me; that a good God has a plan and has me in it…that is so amazing! You see, He has me…and you…so rest. No, things will not always be easy or perfect. Life is hard sometimes – much more so than little Sophia realizes. But, He has me…and you…and He is the one who made it all and has a plan for it all…so rest, be at peace…let your “bad thoughts” go, your mind relax, your thoughts calm, your worries fade. You are so safe.

More than more will not meet this week because of Thanksgiving (we hope that your time with your families and friends will be awesome!). We will meet again next Thursday 12/4, 6:45-8:00 PM at McAllister Center - see previous posts for links on how to get there.

But this is the kind of thing we relish in More than more. That there is something/someone far more wonderful and amazing in this life than just the running, clamoring, grasping and kicking and screaming after more that our society pushes. You may run after money, toys, pleasure and fun, addictions, fitness, relationships, religion, power and success, education, etc - but none of these will fill you up - they will all end the same - "dust in the wind" At More than more - we look for and enjoy the More beyond the mores - we hope you will join us.

Tonight

Tonight we will be hanging out at McAllister,6:45-8:00PM - see previous posts for the link to the place - it's very easy to find.

We are planning on having an unusual time of noticing the good of God around us tonight - I think you'll love it...and hope you have a chance to make it.

Of course, free childcare will be provided.

The discussion time planned is about the Pursuit of Religion and Right Living as something to make life fulfilling and meaningful. It should be spirited.

Looking forward to seeing all of you!