Happy Wednesday, church family!

When you feel so mad

That you want to roar

Take a deep breath

And count to four

~Daniel Tiger

For those of you who are lost as to who Daniel Tiger is, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is the new reboot of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood for today’s kiddos. It’s kind of silly, when you think about it, that sometimes we need the reminder of a children’s jingle to remember things, like not flying off the handle in anger. 

In Sunday’s sermon, Andy described Joseph coming face to face with his brothers who had completely and totally wronged him. Forgiveness or not, I’m sorry, but if someone who had hurt me that bad, both physically and emotionally, came back into my life, I would struggle to not want to do something very un-Christlike. Those poop heads need to PAY!!! Yet, Joseph took a deep breath, and counted to four (well, really 3 days). 

At the women’s retreat this weekend, one morning we talked as a group about what it looks like to interact with someone who isn’t safe, someone who reminds us quite a bit of Joseph’s brothers. I shared about an individual who I have to remind myself daily to forgive. When I am about to see them, if I go in quickly, and just plow forward, I almost always come out hot and fired up. What I’ve learned (ok, fine, I’m still working on), is that I need to take that deep breath and count to four before I even get to the point of anger. The times that I sit in the car for a moment, take the time to invite Jesus in, ask Him to protect my mind, and give Him the situation, I come out less agitated. 

Friends, once again, I am reminded to slow down… this time by Joseph and a cartoon tiger. Nothing good comes of my constant rushing, especially in a high stakes emotional moment. I don’t want to be driven by my emotions, instead, I want to have the wherewithal to take deep breaths, and enter a situation prayerfully and with Jesus at the helm.

God, I reject the lie that I have to constantly be in a rush. I choose to slow down, to take deep breaths, and invite You in, especially in the moments before an interaction that has the possibility of bringing up old hurts. Bless and seal these good things, in Your name, amen.

May your week be blessed,

Lisa