Another Bottle of Shampoo
It may seem silly, but today, I’m thankful for another bottle of shampoo. If anything, this journey as foster parents has taught me to appreciate the little things. I’m here tonight, grateful that I’ve gotten to buy another bottle.
It means we are still together. Still persevering and hitting uncharted waters together. There’s much we don’t know. Things we haven’t understood and likely never will on this side of eternity. The unknown is and can be uncomfortable and scary. We are loving each other every day without knowing what the future will look like. A journey of faith like none I have ever been on before.
I’ve been learning along this journey that I cannot live in or with a spirit of fear. It’s for sure easier said than done, especially when you find yourself in the midst of unnerving situations. I’m being challenged as I fight a spiritual battle against a relentless enemy. If I give in to fear, I’ll be overwhelmed by negativity and lose hope. I’ll move further and further from the relationship with God that I fight so hard for.
When it’s easy to give in to anxiety regarding my circumstances, I’m learning to focus on breath prayers. Simple words or phrases said aloud or repeated to myself. They remind me that even when I can’t see how things are going to work out, God does. They serve to remind me that God is in control. He never sleeps, He never takes a vacation, and He’s always working on our behalf. They serve to remind me that I’m okay. That one moment at a time is all I have to do and focus on. This one moment is all I have to control.
Some breath prayers I’ve been using lately include:
God, I trust you.
God, You’ve got this.
Bring me peace.
I know you’re here.
You are good, God.
I’m with you, God.
There are so many different things you can say, but I’m learning to rely on God all day long. In each moment when I feel a bit of fear or anxiety or overwhelm begin to creep in, I whisper a prayer to get me back on track. I have to admit it’s helping. My circumstances may still be uncertain, but I’m perched on the Rock of Ages, and on that firm foundation, I know I’ll be okay. Because of it, I’m more appreciative of the little things. Things like being able to purchase another bottle of shampoo.
I don’t know what’s going on in your life today. Maybe you’re walking through some tough circumstances, and you are afraid and anxious. Maybe you’re exhausted and overwhelmed. I want to encourage you and challenge you. God is near. There’s never been, and there never will be a moment in which He turns His back on you. In moments of uncertainty, focus on breath prayers. Short and simple, and God hears them all. Trust and perch yourself on His firm foundation, and know there’s nothing that can knock you off, no matter how hard the enemy may try. You’re going to make it through. And you’ll find that you’re more appreciative of the little things as you go.
2 Timothy 1:5-9
I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.
