Meltdown

Occasionally my four year old nephew’s world comes crashing down around him. It happens to all of us but for the young there are more triggers and they are still learning how to cope. If you have any experience with a child then you know how this goes down. One “no” can quickly spiral into a complete meltdown. The other day he was having a series of “moments”. Things were not going his way and with each desperate grasp he dug himself further into conflict. It was a helpless moment for all and then something truly amazing happened. His father squatted down in front of him and calmly said, “Easton, look at me…breathe…it’s going to be alright…calm down.”

If you are fortunate, you have been blessed by someone like Easton’s dad.  A person who was also frustrated with your struggle and humbly invited you toward sanctuary.  The conflict doesn’t magically disappear but the spiral is corrected and you find yourself in a place from which resolution is possible.  

‘…and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne.’  Hebrews 12:2

There are those moments when the whole world seems to be crashing down around us.  We cry out to God, chase down our own solutions, look for greener pastures…nothing seems to work.  In those moments of desperation we can’t see resolution because of the dysfunction.  

Fear not.  God is kneeling in front of you.  Open your eyes and see Jesus’ eyes locked on yours.  Breathe.  It is going to be alright.  You can be calm in this place with God.  Here is your sanctuary.

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s continue to express our gratitude. With this gratitude, let’s serve in a way that is pleasing to God with respect and awe.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:28‬ ‭CEB‬‬

God’s Kingdom, her—now, begins in each of us. Even when the world is crashing down around us we are invited into a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. Our eyes and hearts can be fixed to Jesus’. It’s all Good. Breathe.