Time to Cry.

First of all, my apologies if this photo IS your child or resembles your child. It was borrowed from the photo album of the internet.

Sitting on the beach this morning, I’m reading a book and watching people. As couples and families set up camp around us, there’s always an interesting dynamic. Some are minimalists with one bag and one towel; others have brought the guest house in their 15 wagons with monster truck sized wheels.

As dad was unpacking, mom held the toddler (appearing to be between one and two). All was well until dad stopped unpacking and sprayed the toddler with sunscreen. All of the sudden…..the calm of mama’s arms turned into loud cries.

No matter what is going on, a baby or toddler will resort to ONE common behavior: crying.
❓Hungry? CRY.
❓Tired? CRY.
❓Afraid? CRY.
❓Startled? CRY.
❓Wet? CRY.
❓Lonely? CRY.
❓Sick? CRY.
❓Cold? CRY.
❓Hurting? CRY.
❓Overwhelmed? CRY.

Don’t you envy such a simple response? They just get to cry about any and every thing and draw the attention of someone.

There comes a point, though, where that response shifts. Somewhere along the way, we are supposed to become more in tune with our emotions and use words to express how we are feeling.

Sometimes we are good at it.

Sometimes we stink at it.

How do YOU respond when you’re hungry? Tired? Afraid? Startled? Wet? Lonely? Sick? Cold? Hurting? Overwhelmed?

Dealing with what is inside of us is a necessary process – because that is exactly what will come out when life bumps us. When we don’t sleep well. When we’ve gone too long between meals. When we don’t feel well – physically, emotionally, Spiritually or relationally. When we are afraid or feel out of control.

The good news for us is that there is a menu of options that can help us process those things out. Galatians 5:22-23 gives us the list:
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

Reflecting today as I watched a little one expose an area of personal weakness. Lord, help us to be intentional about having YOUR fruit planted in our lives. Help us to come to You in all of the situations and with all of the emotions and learn how to respond from You. Thank You for being a gracious Father who is patient with us as we grow up.