Sometimes, I still say nah-nah-nee-boo-boo.
If you don’t know, nah-nah-nee-boo-boo is like a punctuation mark among kids. It’s used to tease or one-up someone else. As in, “I’VE got some ice cream, nah-nah-nee-boo-boo!” Or, “I’m going skaaaaating, nah-nah-nee-boo-boo!”
In any case, being on the receiving end of nah-nah-nee-boo-boo usually means pouting faces and frustration.
And that was me the other day.
Before I could sip my morning tea, my day began with . . .
- Shanking a spider evidently terrorizing my littlest one, based on yells from the kids’ bathroom . . .
- Hearing an insistent string of “ding-ding-ding!” as countless new email requests flooded all my inboxes . . .
- Catching a strong mildew-ey odor in the air from forgotten, washed laundry still waiting for its turn in the dryer . . .
And it wasn’t even 8am.
As a recovering people pleaser, I’m still wired in such a way to be responsive and responsible. So, when multiple tugs come my way – even if the sun is still waking up too –, I feel pressed to take care of them all, ASAP. A tendency that predictably brings stress.
And, a fact that the enemy of our souls knows all about.
In that moment, I could sense the devil smiling and taunting me with, “Oh, you wanted a SMOOTH morning? NOPE! Nah-nah-nee-boo-boo!”
I turned on the water kettle as my face turned into a pout. Why can’t I just have an easy start to the end of a really taxing week, Lord? I thought quietly in my heart. A gentle start to what I already know will be another full day ahead?
As hot tears of frustration welled up in my eyes, I did the only thing I could think to do.
Drop to my knees on the kitchen floor to pray.
The words wouldn’t come at first. I let a few tears fall and then heard myself simply say, “Help me, Lord. That’s all I’ve got. Help me.” One of my shortest prayers ever.
In that quiet moment, I knew He already knew all about it. I knew He knew all I was feeling. And I knew that, in His loving grace and mercy, He would bring relief.
Sure enough, only a few short moments later, I felt lighter and so thankful. Another demanding day was still ahead, but without the heaviness in my heart.
I realized that the enemy’s plan to push my buttons ultimately backfired. He wanted to get the best of me and zap my peace as I moved about my day.
Instead, I got on my knees for help and got closer to God in the process. And He was already there, ready and willing to provide relief and restore joy.
That morning, God and I tussled with the enemy.
And we won.
Nah-nah-nee-boo-boo.
Sharing is Caring: Share a nah-nah-nee-boo-boo moment you’ve had . . . and, remember this whenever the enemy wants to pick a fight.
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