Out Where the Wild Things Are
The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8 (ESV)
When I was teaching second grade, I loved using Sendak’s book, Where the Wild Things Are as a character-building tool. I had to explain it in detail to them. Let’s see if you can figure out the adult version.
Today we are faced with all kinds of wild things. Some of the big ones include drugs, alcohol, infidelity, and discontentment, etc. For most, these are the wild things that pop into our heads. Yes, they are major issues but on our Christian journey, they are probably minor. We tagged others as having those problems—but certainly not us. Right?
I believe we found our first ‘wild thing’ and that would be judging others. Yes, we do that! Comparing our life-style to that of others is not on any positive list. Are we ever sincerely content, or do we always want more? Seeing others succeed and spend money opens the door to self-pity and even anger. Yes, we do that, too!
Why does someone buying a new car stir up greed within us? “Gosh, I sure wish I could have a newer, nicer, faster, luxurious car(truck) like that!” Greed is quite a monster these days! How about going out to dinner with friends and then offering to buy? Now, are you showing off? You already know that your card is almost maxed out. Will it be approved?
Sometimes I am irritated and curious all at the same time. My observations are shared by many but when I see a needy family using food stamps and then watch them buy at carton of cigarettes for approximately $51 a pop, or a pack for $8.45+/- I usually have a silent comment. “That money could be put to better use!” Then the Holy Spirit swoops in and reminds me: “Addictions are real. It’s none of your business and once again, you are meddling in God’s affairs!”
Our wild things are not always in your face! When we wander off, He stays in place—just waiting. His forgiveness and devotion seem to tame these monsters within us. After we have visited this place where the unruly beasts dwell, we come hightailing it back to Him.
There He is! He’s smiling, with open arms and ready to embrace us with His unconditional love.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving us in all our messy thoughts. Teach us to look at others through Your eyes, to love with Your heart, and to show compassion…not judgement. AMEN.