In A Fix

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”

Psalm 56:3

It’s been a hit since I’ve had a chance to put my thoughts into words and share; however, today is that moment.

It’s been quite a ruckus at Noni’s house lately. I have my grand boy from Louisiana staying over for the summer, we’ve been tearing down and rebuilding a deck around our pool area, and just keeping up with the rest of life’s demands. Some days I feel like I never stop until my tired, exhausted body lays down at night in complete surrender. It’s been crazy!

Yesterday, while my son and his family were at my house lending a hand on the deck construction, my little “Mag-ster” went missing. Her Mom and I had just seen her sitting behind Popsie’s recliner what seemed like only minutes before we all realized she was missing in action. (The picture above was taken a few hours earlier while she was enjoying a s’more.)

We all called for and looked for the little belle until we didn’t know where else to look, then our search led us outdoors, calling out to her over and over again. Still, no answer. Silence. Her Daddy finally found her. I wasn’t outside when he did, but what I saw when he came inside was a little girl with a red, sweaty face, tears streaming down her pudgy cheeks and I heard a desperately frightened cry. She had locked herself inside the car. Apparently, she was ready for a nap and had went outside to get her baby and blanket out of the vehicle — without anyone being aware of her plan. She’s only three.

To say she was terrrified would be an understatement. Her little body was shaking as she sobbed. We’re not sure exactly how long she had been in the vehicle, but for certain, it was long enough to realize she couldn’t get out on her own. Thankfully, it wasn’t long enough for her to suffer from heat exhaustion or anything like that.

The problems: she took matters into her own hands instead of asking for help. She went places she shouldn’t have alone. She wasn’t being accountable.

Yeah, I know little three year olds aren’t completely aware of these concepts, but for the sake of this post and applying it to our adult lives, just hear me out.

Often, we try to “fix” our situations without turning to someone who could be a help to us. “I got this!” is a phrase we hear often; however, it could bring bad results in some cases. When we try to be our own Savior and not trust and rely upon God or the safe people He’s put in our lives, we could end up locked in a situation feeling as if there’s no way of escape. God said He wouldn’t put more on us than we can bear, but we do it to ourselves sometimes, don’t we?

When we make choices without thinking and counting the cost we often end up in places we don’t need or really want to be — both literally and figuratively. We might not find ourselves locked inside a vehicle like my grand girl did, but there are other places we can find ourselves stuck in which aren’t good for us. Bad relationships, in jail, plagued with addictions, and there’s also some places which seem more subtle, but are just as scary - depression, isolation or loneliness. I had a friend tell me just this week that she was feeling isolated. It’s not a pleasant place in which to spend much time. The Bible tells us two are better than one in Ecclesiastes. He put others in our lives for a reason.

When we try to fix all the things, do it on our own, or go it solo, we can find that things may turn out differently than we were hoping or expecting. This can lead to burnout and frustration — or disaster. That’s why we all need God and authority figures in our life for counsel and guidance. We also need a teachable, lead-able spirit and to be willing to make adjustments in our lives when directed. We never become too “together” not to need someone in the position of accountability in our lives. It’s true, we need people who can help us unpack life on some days. That’s what my friend was asking for when she confided in me; she was confessing a fault. The Bible tells us about that too in James 5:16.

Back to my hand-girl scenario: my son came back into the house with a frightened, distraught little girl who was clutching her baby and blanket with all her might. She got what she wanted, but at what price? She was in a fix! It took quite a while to calm her down and for her little system to regulate, and things could’ve been entirely different if she would have thought to ask for help to get what she needed in the first place. I’m quite sure she won’t do that again! Not for a while anyhow.

How often do we try that same type of thing though? When was the last time you found yourself scared and in a position you couldn’t get yourself out of? What do you do when you find yourself in physical, mental, emotional or spiritual danger? I dare say we’ve all experienced it before in some level. What do we do when we find ourselves in a fix?!

1. Be honest. Pray and cast it at His feet.

2. Trust God with the mess. He can handle it!

3. Allow others to help lead you thru - when I say “others”, I mean godly, righteous people who will steer you in the right direction.

4. Repent, forgive or seek reconciliation if it’s needed, and allow God to work in you and on your behalf as He holds you tightly and gets you positioned back on the right path.

5. Do whatever work that needs to be done on your part to learn and grow through this moment.

6. Wait on the Lord!

7. Send up some praise.

   
   

It’s life. Learning. Growing. Becoming. Nothing to be ashamed of unless we continue ending up in dangerous places and dark roads alone. God is always with us overseeing our progress, but like I’ve said before, He allows us to make our own choices. He longs to pick us up and hold us like my son did my grand-girl. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be stuck and scared. God urges us to come to Him…all who are weary and burdened…read it in Matthew 11:28-30. We don’t have to say there!

Don’t get in a fix, or stuck in a hot, locked car either. There’s better options for us!

Be blessed~