Unplugged

Some days it seems I wake up with my claws extended!  Nothing can make me happy or calm me down.  I'm just in a sour mood, and my mission is to spread my "cheer" to all I come into contact with.  And of course, it's never my fault.  There's always someone or something else to blame...hormones, the kids, the dog, the weather, a lack of sleep...Regardless, by the end of the day, I'm generally a mess of tears seeking quiet and calm anywhere I can find it.  I've even gone so far as to lock myself in the bathroom, sit on the floor with the light off, taking deep breaths and counting to 10... or maybe 100, depending on the day.  But even there, most of the time, they find me.  Maybe I need a new hiding place...

What I've discovered in moments like these is that I've somehow become unplugged...unplugged from the only power source that matters and can save me from my mood.  Maybe I didn't spend time with Jesus that day.  Maybe I've just taken on too many outside activities and now my priorities are out of order.  Whatever the reason, I've been trying to remember to immediately go to Jesus and confess my attitudes and moods and that I've basically unplugged my self.   Much like stepping too far away from the outlet with your laptop stretches the cord so far that it's forced to unplug...hmmm.

This morning, I read a passage of Scripture that spoke volumes to my heart:  "As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.  For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust." (Psalm 103:13-14)  Don't you find it comforting that He knows how frail we are and like a father He shows compassion to us?  There are moments when I just want to run to Him and crawl up in His lap and be held, like I used to do with my daddy.  And somehow when I finally pull myself away from that moment, I feel recharged with a full battery to tackle the rest of my day.  I'm plugged in again.

"Oh Lord, sometimes holding my breath and counting to ten just isn't enough.  I need space.  Actually, what I need is time away with You...just a few moments now and then to pull away from things and plug back into You.  Help me to be able to communicate this to my family.  They will benefit so much more from a wife and mom who's stress-free!  I know that my only source of power and victory is found in You alone.  Thank You for remembering my frailty and understanding my weakness."

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." 
(Hebrews 4:15-16)

Until the world sees and is amazed by HIS awesomeness!