Medicine

…if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Philippians 4:8

My Mother had a quick fix for just about anything that threatened to upset the children. Fears or minor injuries commanded the same response. First she would examine and treat and then kiss where it hurt – all of the norms. Then she would draw out these comforting words, Now your Grandmother would always say, ‘just think about ice cream, and chewing gum, and peaches, etc.’ It worked every time.

Though I never knew my Grandmother, her remedy became a medicinal mainstay in the family – a distraction for the kiddos and a humorous antidote for the rest. This day however, my grown-up booboos were boohoos. My Mother was critically ill, and I was exercising little control of the fear I encountered. Unfortunately, at that time, addressing things out of my control followed a predictable pattern: worry, then guilt for worrying, and eventually prayer rehearsing Philippians 4:6 as a guide. Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. God is faithful. His word is dependable, but I was faithfully fickle. I would return to worry all too soon.

A letter from my Mother’s cousin was in the mail that had piled up while days turned to weeks at the hospital. Having heard of her serious condition, she wrote, “I thought it might be of some comfort to remind you of your Grandmother’s favorite scripture, Philippians 4:8. Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think on such things. I hadn’t even known my Grandmother had a favorite scripture. It was an unexpected blessing at a moment when I could use one. As I reread the letter and thought about the verse, my spirit lifted. The connection between her favorite verse and mine, Philippians 4:6-7, could explain why I had been unable to break away from a pattern of worry. I had not been deliberately replacing anxious thoughts with thoughts that were praiseworthy. Certainly worry had not improved Mother’s condition. Worry was zapping energy I could use for giving care she would need and deserve – not to mention what my worry said about trusting God with her recovery.

Then it came together. I could almost hear my Mother’s younger voice, lets think about ice cream and peaches… It was obviously my Grandmother’s version of Philippians 4:8 revised for children. Surely she would be pleased that it encouraged me through a very critical time for her own daughter. I was reminded that instead of worry I could rest by placing my mind on the knowledge that God loves my Mother as much as I do. He would never leave her side. Grandmother’s “medicine for minors?” Genuinely praiseworthy!

God’s prescription for worry? Priceless!


Toni

 

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