Here’s a real life story about anxiety for so many who don’t “get it” and a revelation that that’s okay because “you understand me, God. You understand me.” (Passion Music, “Bigger Than I Thought You Were”.)
Early morning darkness only illuminated the garage and I wondered what made the motion that led to the light. An animal, a person, a man?
I tapped the wrong button and I locked the truck three times before I heard the open click. My husband’s prized truck, my transportation for the day. Hoisted myself up to the seat and saw the light flashing “oil change needed” which reminded me to take off the brake.
Couldn’t find the pedal on the floorboard and instead found the lever to “pop” the hood, then turned to jump from the truck and felt my left side move with a tease of vertigo.
Carefully, quietly as I could, I opened and then closed the hood. Then, I sat in the driver’s seat wondering where the brake release was located. Switched on every light and guessed on the one beneath the steering wheel. Success!
I left the driveway for the empty road and determined myself to not be angry, stressed or feel stupid.
But, the highway was busy, cars and trucks headed to industry or interstate flashed their brightly lit eyes at me in a hovering and then sweeping by me stare.
The windshield had fogged, continued to fog as I found defrost and then, panic again and a weight on my chest as I couldn’t figure out the wipers.
But, I continued. I drove on.
I took my deep faith in fear out breaths and it got better, the panic in my chest, the anxiety locking up my breath.
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy. Psalm 94: 19
I thought to tell my daughter, but didn’t. No need to have her busy morning challenged by the perplexity of her mama.
Rehearsed telling my husband later, but decided no use.
He doesn’t understand anxiety, hates it for me, but doesn’t understand it really.
The windshield cleared, I had the country road to myself, quiet because the radio was another challenge, and I got there in plenty of time to see a toddler already smiling on her mama’s bed.
Peace was there.
“It’s foggy, but so beautiful this morning.” I told my daughter.
Peace of all is and was okay.
Will be always.
Peace was with me all day yesterday and will be today.
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
Psalms 23:4 NLT
You understand me, God.
Linking up with other writers here:
Lisa Anne Tindal 
Thank you so much for sharing this and that song. It’s been so long since I have listened to it but oh how thankful I am to God for sending it back to me through you today. Thank you for being God’s sweet compassion. Sending you hugs from afar
LikeLike
Huge tyres for desert racing,
it just oozed macho bling,
but I thought as I was facing
it, “How do I drive this thing?”
Old truck expired out of town,
and told me it was time…
The Beast needed a hundred down,
and then it would be mine.
Engine roared through headers
with prehistoric mirth,
sending bold noise-letters
to all the souls on Earth.
“Six miles per gal,” said seller, witty,
“Three on highway, three in city.”
And yet I miss that old truck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So cool!
LikeLike
Lisa, such a blessed message. Thank you for sharing. As someone with severe anxiety and panic attacks, I get it. Your words touched me today. Blessings.
FMF#21
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. There are few things more helpful than sharing the places we are most vulnerable and having someone else understand. Take care of yourself.
LikeLike