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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 |
