Fear has been an issue, that has plagued me at times.
I’ve overcome many fears, and still am overcoming others!
I like to think of myself as bold and adventurous, but sometimes I find myself shaking on the inside, even from the smallest thing! And when I say small, I mean, small!
Can you relate?
Here’s a funny story about one small thing;
Recently I went on two trips!
Love to travel!
The first trip was to Hawaii, Waikiki to be exact. I went as Nanna, to help babysit my granddaughter while Mom and Dad got some much-needed alone time. They were gracious to me, to make sure I got free time in also.
On my free time I was at the beach! I love the water, in it, on it, near it, next to it is fine with me!
I’ve never had a fear of the ocean or it’s inhabitants. I do, however, have a healthy respect for it. I did my share of snorkeling, even rented a surfboard, never once, fearful of what may be swimming near me or underneath me. I take great satisfaction in the “No Fear Factor”, feeling bold, young and carefree! So even though there are sharks in the water, it doesn’t concern me. A 1000 pound tiger shark is nothing to be afraid of, right? I know, I know, what you’re thinking, crazy person ! Or wow, she’s brave!
Fast forward to several weeks later, my second trip. I went to Tulsa, Ok. My husband goes there every spring to help train short-term missionaries for their summer trips. These kids are college age, and they learn to work as a team in this week-long camp. I spent a day with him at this outdoor camp. It was a wonderful experience. I was very thankful I had the opportunity to see my husband with these young people. I flew home and unpacked my bags late on Saturday night, I scratched my back, that’s what you do when something itches right? Something didn’t feel right, there was a bump that moved! TIC!!!! O my goodness, freaking out on the inside, doesn’t even begin to describe the panic I felt! I thought I used a calm voice when I called out my husbands’ name. “JER?!! Um, could you come down here a minute?” He came running downstairs and said, “What’s wrong?” To which I promptly answered, “TIC!!” O my goodness, a wood tic found its home in near my should blade and was perfectly content just to hang out! UGGHH! I know you’re itching, because I am writing this! We promptly dealt with said tic, and I tried not to think about it!
I tried not to think about how sneaky that thing was, how rude to invade my space! I tried not to think about the plane ride and how that tic, enjoyed the flight! Freeloader! Then I began to think about how smug I was, how brave I was in Hawaii, just a few short months ago and what a chicken I was with the whole tic scenario! How something so small could hold such power! Isn’t that like life sometimes? It’s the little things that trip us up! Little thoughts sneak in, just like that tic, and try to make their home in our thoughts. We’ve got to be vigilant, and concentrate on the good things in our lives. A thankful heart can carry us through the most trying times.
When a fear thought comes in, filter that thought, with this scripture, Phil. 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things.” This is an excellent way to get the tics out of our heads!