It’s a messy world and sometimes in its mess, it’s easy to lose perspective both of the problem itself and the possible solutions. Take for example my son and what I like to call his “pre-feeding frenzy.”
Letting his hunger drive him into a frenzy, he flails his hands in an uncontrolled and uncoordinated manner striking all in his path, including his face with the threat of unlatching him from his feeding position – exactly what he doesn’t want at that point in time.
Bemused, his mother would give him sometime to figure out that this is the case. Once it becomes clear that the lesson isn’t sinking in, she then decides to intervene to ensure he starts feeding before he gets too wound up to do anything aside from fussing. With smooth, efficient and coordinated motions reminiscent of a mixed martial arts practitioner, his mother rapidly puts him into a “milk submission” position which promptly ushers him into what she calls “an oasis of calm” where he drifts into a feeding groove.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10
In other instances of upset, there’s Controlled Crying. It’s no fun. It’s no fun for both parents and child. It’s when we know all his basic needs are taken care of, and we let him cry in a controlled, timed manner in order to train him to settle himself down. To show him that he can do it. It’s hard but it’s worth it.
At other times, it’s more appropriate to remain calm and hold him through the storm of his emotions until he settles.
When you think about it, that’s exactly what God does with us doesn’t He? A fitting thought for my first Father’s Day.
Image©Kevin Tam. “Be Still And Know That I Am God” in Hebrew.
