Fatty the 'Fraidy-Cat

I am sitting at my desk, and my huge dog, Fatty is keeping me company. He is under my desk with his body wrapped around my feet. He's not there because he likes my company. He's not one of those "loyal companion" type of dogs who always wants to be in the same space as its master. No, Fatty is plastered against my legs because he is downright terrified.

There's a storm a-brewing. This is nothing new. We've had plenty of thunderstorms in the past couple of months, and lately it's been an almost daily occurrence.

You'd think Fatty would be used to them by now. But, oh, no...each rumble and flash brings with it the certainty of sudden death, according to Fatty.

He's always been afraid of thunderstorms, ever since he was a pup and was born outside during a raging storm. His brother, Abraham, is only 6 months' difference in age, and doesn't give a hoot about a thunderstorm. So, it must have been his traumatic birth that did it.

Now, if Fatty were a reasoning sort of creature, I would have to tell him that he ought to consider the evidence. Yes, he's been scared of thunderstorms for a long time, but have they ever actually HURT him? ("Well, no...not really...I guess not," he'd have to reply.)

I'd continue, "So, all the rumblings and vibrations and the loud noise and flash in the sky haven't HURT? Tell me why you are terrified, then."

Fatty would look at me with a dumb look on his face, and shrug. He'd have nothing to say, because we both know he has nothing to fear.

People are a lot like Fatty. Whether they're young or old, male or female, strong or weak, they all have irrational fears. Critter (nearly 9) didn't want to go up to bed this evening, because his sisters are away, and he didn't want to be alone. He asked me if Dan and Pat were coming to bed soon. I reminded him that Jared (25 year old brother, about 6 and a half feet tall) was upstairs already. I could tell by the look on his face that Jared's presence wasn't good enough. He was still scared. He wanted his brothers, in the same room, and nothing else would do.

One of my daughters told me about her irrational fear, experienced just this morning. Her baby slept in longer than usual, and she had a momentary panicky feeling as she went to the baby's room to check on her. We all experience those kinds of "what ifs" from time to time.

I, too, have some irrational fears. Even though I know that God is the Provider, the Creator and Sustainer of all life, I still wonder sometimes if He is going to take care of me. Will Rick get the work he desires? Will we be able to pay our bills and put groceries on the table?

The truth is that I am a lot like Fatty. I KNOW that God has always provided for me and for my family. We have never missed a meal. We've always had a roof over our heads. He has never, ever left us, nor has He forsaken us. He always keeps His promises. So why do I allow myself to fear?

I gave Critter a hug as I sent him to bed this evening. I told him that the Bible has a good verse for times when we're afraid. "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee!"

Psalm 56:3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear.

I wish I could explain that to Fatty.