I had to take my dog to the vet yesterday.  He had a sebaceous cyst removed a couple of weeks ago and it was time for the staples that held the wound closed while it healed to be removed. 

As we pulled into the parking lot of the vet’s office, Baxter started to act pretty nervous.  He became even more anxious as we entered the waiting room, and by the time we made it into the examination room, he was on the brink of a full-blown panic attack!  He began pacing and panting quite heavily.  As soon as I sat down, he jumped up into my lap and began to shiver.  Soon he was whimpering in a most pathetic manner. 

But when I looked into his eyes, I could see that he was really afraid.  I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him in close to me so that he would feel secure and protected.  As he began to snuggle into my shoulder, I put my mouth close to his ear and began to whisper comforting words.  “It’s okay, Baxter.  I’m here.  You’re safe.  I’ve got you.  Just relax.”  He was just starting to calm down, when all of a sudden there was a loud noise in the other room.  His behavior quickly escalated back to its original level. I was able to calm him down a little more quickly this time, only to have him overreact again to another noise.  Baxter and I continued through this exhausting cycle of behavior for what seemed like an eternity.  In real time it was probably only about 10 minutes. 

The doctor finally came in and performed the exam.  Baxter didn’t even flinch as the staples were being pulled out.  The fear and anxiety Baxter experienced in this situation brought about much more discomfort than the actual procedure. When he was finished, the vet patted Baxter on the back and told him he was a “good boy.”  Baxter let out a short low bark as if to say, “Thanks.”  And then we were on our way.

As I was comforting my dog, it occurred to me that I often react in much the same way as Baxter whenever I’m afraid.  I get antsy and have trouble sitting still; sometimes I even pace.  I start to take quick, shallow breaths and I find that I am more sensitive to the environment that I am in.  And then I begin to whimper and whine.  Occasionally the whining can get pretty loud and obnoxious. 

As my anxiety begins to escalate, I’m sure that my Father can see the fear in my eyes.  And so He invites me to climb into His lap.  He wraps His strong arms of protection around me and begins to whisper words of comfort into my ear.  “It’s okay, Laurel.  I’m here.  You’re safe.  I’ve got you.  I’ll never leave you.  Just relax.  Trust Me.  I love you.”  Depending on the circumstance, we might cycle through this together several times before I truly calm down.  And, just like Baxter, I usually discover that the fear and worry I have been experiencing is actually more uncomfortable than the outcome of the situation.

In my human-ness I will never be able to completely avoid fear.  But I can live my life in such a way that I am not controlled by fear.  I have come to the point in my life where I refuse to let fear and anxiety steal my joy and prevent me from fully embracing the life that I have been given.  I would much rather live in peace.  Wouldn’t you? 

So when those moments come, when you first begin to feel those twinges of fear or worry, drop everything and climb into the Father’s lap.  Listen as He gently whispers words of love and encouragement in your ear. Rest in His arms of grace and mercy.  There you will find peace. 

“Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to Me.  Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life.  I’ll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with Me and work with Me- watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  Matthew 11:28-30  (Msg)