A conversation with Toddler 1 in the kitchen last night…
T-1: Mommy, do you know what I’m thinking about?
Me: No, what is it?
T-1 (with concern in her voice): I’m thinking about the big bad wolf.
Me: Well, can you think about something else? Maybe something happier…
T-1: No, I just can’t.
Unfortunately, I understand completely. I do the exact same thing. Granted, I’m not usually plagued by disturbing scenes from Little Red Riding Hood. I’d take the big bad wolves and the monsters any day over the types of things I fret about. I often find myself fighting off troubling thoughts that spring from conversations I’ve had, articles I’ve read, news I’ve heard, scenarios I’ve created. At best, they are thoughts that distract me. At worst, they can be thoughts that scare, discourage, defeat, and paralyze me. And, if I allow them to do so, they will consume me. A fragile mind… a tired body… a weak spirit… all fertile soil for an attack of negative or frightening thoughts.
I’ve found that the best antidote to my “big bad wolf” thoughts is to replace them (or forcefully resist them) with truths and promises that have both meaning and power.
I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious–the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. (Philippians 4:8; The Message)
It’s so incredibly hard… yet, it’s true… We’d all “do best” by doing this.
So, Toddler 1 and I are in search of some better things to fill our minds. We’ve got to replace our ugly wolves with something prettier…
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