The Power of a Child

                A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. —John 16:21.

                Hilda Braslow struck an imposing figure. She carried herself with a military bearing that came from years of service in Her Majesty’s Army. Retired with the rank of major, she brooked no disrespect from tenants at the apartment complex she managed. In a loud voice, she instructed prospects of the rules and policies concerning tenancy in the Cherry Road apartments in Memphis. You dared not think of being late with the rent or of being disrespectful in her presence.

                When she entered an apartment where there was a newborn child, however, a remarkable transformation came over her. The loud, brash landlady became the soften-spoken grandmother. Tenderly, she spoke to the sleeping infant. Tentatively, she caressed his cheek and brushed his fine hair.

                What is it about a baby that affects people so? We’ve seen infants compel dignified men to utter gibberish and make silly faces. They’ve been known to melt the heart of the roughest line foreman, and turn roughnecks into Jell-O.

                A newborn once brought shepherds out of the fields, Magi from the East, and angels from heaven to marvel at it. It is significant that Christ came to earth as a baby, frail and totally dependant on others. The Christ child brought joy into Simeon’s heart and fear into Herod’s and a sword into Mary’s. He entered the world the same way he departed it: wrapped in cloths. God wrought His mighty act of salvation not with earthquake and fire, but through the everyday sound of a baby’s cry.

                Few things incite more hope than an infant. Her parents hope for her bright future, that she perhaps will fulfill their unrealized dreams. Her grandparents rejoice that there is another chance for them to pass on the family heritage, another child to fill with love, another life to lead to Jesus.

                Fitting it is that the most appropriate metaphor Christ could find to describe the joy of his resurrection and glory was a mother’s birth-pains followed by rapturous wonder as she gazes at her precious child. Such a thing is truly proof of God’s existence: nothing else could explain such a miracle as a baby’s birth.

Treatment for Anxiety

                  Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects many people these days. The word “disorder” in the title means it gets in your way of having a happy and fulfilling life. You’re always in a heightened state of awareness, anxious about what you don’t have, about what will happen in the future and what might happen.

                  Treatment for the disorder often involves self examination and relaxation. It’s an old condition, as old as the human race. The best treatment I’ve seen displayed is found in Matthew 6:25-34. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.” He instructs us to notice birds and flowers. God feeds and cares for them, and they’re quite beautiful.

There’s another message in this. Jesus commands us to notice the birds and flowers. Observe them. Study them. Admire their beauty, observe the rich coloring and unusual formation of petals and feathers. In our anxious state of mind, our focus is everywhere. We see the blight and trouble where we are, and in the unseen future we imagine even worse things. In contrast, stop and look at a flower. Smell its fragrance. Absorb its form and color. Learn to enjoy it. It’s not here for long, but how bold and beautiful are the flowers!

During Springtime in Central Texas, the roadsides are full of cars pulled over so families can gather children in the midst of the rich growth of bluebonnets. That’s the spirit! I’ve noticed that those bluebonnets don’t care where they grow. They can appear on a lush hillside, and they can back right up to an ugly deserted shack.

Jesus said to notice the birds. Set out birdbaths and feeders, and watch the finches, cardinals and red-winged blackbirds flit in and out for a visit. Hummingbirds are fun to watch, too. All teach the same lesson. God feeds them better than you can, and look at their beauty! Listen to their song! Many a time have I stood spellbound while a mockingbird sings his songs.

“Look at the birds,” Jesus said. “Consider the lilies.” He ends this segment with “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Bills will pile up, water heaters will someday leak, and car tires will someday wear out—usually when you can’t afford to replace them. Don’t let the urgent things demand your attention. Put the important things first, like the Kingdom of God, and enjoy God’s gifts in the moment.

There’s the best “cognitive reconstruction” I’ve seen: enjoy life in the moment, and organize your life around Christ