We argued about an orange last night after dinner. Not even a large orange. A tiny mandarin. As emotions escalated between my beloved husband and me, the eldest child graciously removed herself from the table and donned noise-canceling headphones while the smallest child openly snickered and was dispatched to her room to play while we hashed things out in “peace.”
I’d love to say that was the most insane thing we’ve ever argued about, but that would be a lie. My kids love to remind us about the breadstick incident a few years back.
Life has been a bit overwhelming lately if I’m being honest. Sometimes when life gets overwhelming, ridiculous things happen. Like arguments over edible, inanimate objects. I’d like to think I am a little more mature than what I displayed in front of my kids, but I guess I still have some growing up to do. Sometimes I just can’t even.
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Kids arguing or tattling for the 327th time today? I brought you into this world . . .
Teenagers pushing boundaries? So help me . . .
Miscommunications or arguments with your spouse? For the love of . . .
Friends disappoint you? But I thought . . .
Financial strain? Never enough . . .
Medical crisis? What now/what next . . .
Loss and grief? How do I go on . . .
I can’t even.
How about you? Do you ever find yourself muttering that you “can’t even?” Have you gotten to the point where you feel so overloaded that the tiniest things become huge things? Have you faced multiple, rapid-fire crises? Have you felt completely overwhelmed and broken? When you feel like just one more thing will make your brain explode or you’ll inch over the edge into a full breakdown?
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Even if you haven’t been there yet, a lot of people get there at some point—whether we admit it or not. Even kings have been there, including King David, the man after God’s own heart, who in moments of overwhelm and desperation poured his heart out to the Lord.
Here’s some good news. God sees our fear and anxiety and promises us refuge. He sees our brokenness and our overwhelm and promises us restoration. He sees our “can’t even” and promises peace that guards our hearts and minds and goes beyond our understanding. He sees you. And He loves you. Grace on grace on grace.
Blessed are those who “can’t even” because we don’t have to rely on our own strength. In our weakness, He is strong.