It can sound like a hurricane hit; crashing, things falling/being thrown, screaming, shouting, shrieking! It can look like a hurricane tore through the house; navigating the jungle of toys out, random objects on the floor, cupboards open, shoes and coats thrown, food on the counters and floors. This may sound like your house, or maybe you're wondering what kind of parent doesn't control this mayhem. If it sounds like your house, we can relate. It is more extreme for us than for the average home with kids; executive functioning skills are still very much in their infancy. If you're wondering what kind of parent can't bring some control, I don't blame you! I wonder that myself. Don't get me wrong, it isn't always like this, but a good chunk of the time, it is. It isn't for lack of trying, I assure you! It isn't even that the kids aren't capable; they are, but in the hustle and bustle, when emotions are running high, when everyone uses home as a place to let it all out, this is what can happen. Perhaps someone is having a severe meltdown, and the others have given up on getting attention from mom and dad, so they've made their own food or decided to engage in a messy activity that passes the time. Then there is the mental exhaustion of the parents. I cannot overstress the emotional toll of dealing with these meltdowns. I could crawl up in a ball and hide in a hole; it takes so much out of me - but that's out of the question. You have to pull yourself together and keep going. But am I up for bringing order to the disarray? No! So chaos often reigns.
This isn't a pleasant living environment for anyone. Though we strive to make things better and pray they will get easier, we find ourselves in this hurricane. Where is God in the chaos? I have given this a lot of thought. I know He is there! I don't question that, but when the Psalms declare He is a very present help in times of trouble (Ps 46:1), how does this look in the insanity?
I often find that worship songs play through my mind amid the chaos. It is subconscious at first, and then I take note and register the words playing through my head. They are usually something I can hold onto in that moment or day.
Our community is an excellent source of support that embodies God’s care for His people. “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:4. People reach out when I most need it, or offer practical help.
I have noticed over time that God often takes me out of a situation for a bit as a breather. The odd unexpected break when someone can take the kids, when the kids quietly get into a nice game together, and I can rest on the couch, my husband takes over, and I can lock myself in my room, when we can meet with friends, and the kids happily play. The scheduled break from going to work is a welcome distraction. I used to feel guilty about taking regular breaks, but now I realize they are a God-given lifeline.
Helpers have blessed me, I believe, that God sent my way to help practically, with the occasional meal, assistance with cleaning, and laundry. I also thank God we live in an age where we can have our groceries delivered.
God doesn't promise to take us out of the chaos, but he does promise to be with us. Sometimes we feel it, sometimes we don't. But He is there, providing moments of relief, help, and strength. When chaos appears to reign, we can take comfort in the fact that He is our haven.
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalms 9:9-10 NIV
No comments:
Post a Comment