Take A Deep Breath

Have you ever seen a child who is frustrated with something?  Let's say she is trying to build a fort out of blankets and can't get it just right....  Or, he's trying hard to make his bed but the covers aren't cooperating...  Or, she's putting on her own sock and the stretchy part for the heel keeps ending up on top... She's on the verge of completely losing it....  Holding back tears.... Flushed in the face.... Anguish in his eyes...

What do you do?

I can't say I do this every time (because sometimes I just can't get there), but what I try to do is...

Sit down beside her and put my arm around her.  I say, "Sweetheart, look at my eyes."  Once I have her attention, I say, "Take a deeeep breath and let it out."  That deep breath brings her to a calmer place.  And then, we make a plan together about how to tackle the problem.

I've been taking a lot of deep breaths myself these days.

When I get caught up and anxious over the long list of things that need to be done....  I'm frustrated because kiddos need me and I feel like I'm not getting anything accomplished....  I'm on the verge of losing it!....

And then I hear Jesus Calling.  He says, "Look at me.  Focus on me.  Take a deep breath."

I listen.  I take a deep breath.  Then, I'm back to a calmer place.  And He and I make our plan together.

Philippians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."