“I wonder if I’ve been changed in the night. Let me think. Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I’m not the same, the next question is ‘Who in the world am I?’ Ah, that’s the great puzzle!” Alice in Wonderland

I remember a time when I was still directing K-4 actors. After presenting to their classmates, we met for a little “down time” before their next show for their families. After a few theater games, the room suddenly erupted into total chaos. I finally got their attention and asked them what they thought about their behavior. One sweet little gal piped up and said, “I think we just spun out of control.”

That honest statement made me pause and think how I often react when things aren’t going well. When my world is spinning out of control, I often throw up my hands and scream, “why?” Over the past few years, we’ve all experienced a downward spiral. Our emotions are like worn down lightbulbs, ready to burst. Two + years of a pandemic – vaccination controversy – a waning economy and now a possible world war. Not to mention the other things that eat away at us. Things like a pending ugly divorce – a financial disaster – loss of a loved one – health issues that can’t be explained. The list goes on and on.

We may feel overwhelmed, but over 2000 years ago a man suffered for every sin committed throughout time. He was overwhelmed by the crowds who smothered Him. They wanted to learn, get a look at Him or take advantage of His superpowers. He withstood the tongue lashing of the Pharisees. He bled as the scourge cut through His flesh – a beating which would have killed any other man. He was mocked and spat upon as He carried the means upon which He would be executed. He was deserted by His Father as the final sacrifice for the sin of all humanity. He died and was buried. On the third day he rose from death and lives triumphantly at the right hand of His Father.

So, when we think we’re having a bad day, take a minute to breathe and think about how valuable you are to Jesus. His life, ministry, death and resurrection are a foreshadowing of what we can look forward to. We’ve been adopted into His kingdom and will one day leave this world to join Him in His.