If you've never gone to a counseling session, you're missing out. I know, I know. Counseling is often associated with a marriage on the rocks or an out-of-control addiction or some "disorder" that needs a dose of medicine and talking. But imagine going before one of these instances arises. Getting support and encouragement before you lose all hope; rediscovering balance before you're on the brink of losing your sanity; finding direction before you've completely lost your way.
That's how I like to view counseling, and that's why yesterday was a day I thought I needed it.
* * *
"Oh goodness," and a deep sigh to follow.
Brylee and Ian secure in their carseats, I'm a bit overwhelmed that we're only half way through the day and I'm not sure how I'll muster enough energy to complete the second half.
Brylee, always concerned about what I'm doing and curious the reasons for everything, asks, "Why did you say 'goodness'?"
Ian has sunk his teeth in while nursing 3 times in the last 18 hours, and I'm stressing that I might have to wean him before my 12-month goal. Not to mention his incessant biting (teething?) and other "agressive" behaviors that makes me feel like I'm raising a baby monster. Brylee has an extra dose of crazy, perhaps out of boredom or maybe missing her dad while he travels for work, and she has a question for everything. I notice I'm not making the effort to get out of the house as much as we did in Florida, and the sleep deprivation from getting up with Ian 2, 3 or more times a night knocks various aspects of my life out of balance.
I wonder about going to a counselor for a session, or maybe two. Just to talk through what's happening in my life and figure out the answers and solutions getting clouded out by this rut that I'm in.
Not sure how to respond to Brylee, I decide to admit the truth, or a portion of it. "Believe it or not, Brylee, being a mom is hard work."
True to form, she asks, "Why?"
"Because I have to take care of you and Ian and support daddy and maintain the house and try to take care of myself too. And that's hard work."
Brylee, being the big helper that she is, offers, "I can take care of myself."
I chuckle. "Oh, yeah?"
"Yeah. I can clean my toys and make my bed, all myself. I can do hard things."
I love that girl :)
Brylee and Ian's bed time didn't bring much relief, as she brainstormed new things she "needed" and he wouldn't sleep. At midnight when they're both {finally} sleeping soundly, I wonder, once more, about seeing a counselor. I consider staying up a few extra minutes to Facebook message two of my best girlfriends about it in an on-going conversation we started there. Then I realize, there's some things going through my head that maybe shouldn't be said out loud. Or at least shouldn't be typed and left as incriminating evidence. (Okay, nothing incriminating is going through my head, but the point remains.)
I see the Bible sitting on my nightstand and rationalize that I need support from an "actual" person. Just as soon as I think that thought, I retract and hear the offer, Give Me a chance... it won't cost you a dime.
So, I do. I give Him a chance, and this is what I find...
HIS CREDENTIALS
His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. {Isaiah 9:6}
THE SESSION
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Listen please and let me speak. {Job 42:3-4}
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. Nevertheless You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. It is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works. {Psalm 73:21, 23-24, 26, 28}
HIS DIAGNOSIS
You do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. {Revelation 3:17}
HIS COUNSEL
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed. {Revelation 3:18}
THE RESULTS
Blessed is the man [whose] delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. he shall be like a tree Planted in the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. {Psalm 1:1-3}
Thank you, Lord; I look forward to our next "session" and may it be SOON!
