Dr. Jeffrey and Mr. Hide
As I ROLLER COASTER through this amusement park of life past the sideshows of a bearded lady, the two-headed cow, and the tattooed sword swallowing vicar, I realize again.. LIFE IS A RIDE.
My rollercoaster existence leaves me at times exhilarated, while other times, ready to BARF. These twists and turns in my life do expose my Dr Jeffrey and Mr. Hide (like a less sinister version of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde) personality quirks. I am Dr Jeffrey when all is good, but Mr Hide rises up as my rollercoaster dips, and there is a big bend up ahead.
AND yes, I did mean to say Mr. Hide (not Hyde).. 'Good grief, I am a cartoonist, not a monster. ’
My alter ego, Mr. Hide, unfortunately, appears when my "I'm ok facade is threatened to be exposed by my collection of insecurities, circumstances, mistakes, and bad choices. Better to hide and live to fight another day.. or something like that.
Mr. Hide wants others to see me as a success. A man with a career, admired, and a man of status, and dashing good looks. Mr. Hide promotes the illusion that he is confident, funny, never depressed, and has never struggled with substance abuse. Oh, there are many other things Mr. Hide hides from others, but you get the idea.
I do recall times when I wanted to hide. A circumstance mixed in with a dash of my special brand of stumbling/bumbling has me looking for a hiding place.
But while I may want to hide, or at least get away, I know none of my circumstances surprises God. I am sure He did not slap his forehead and declare.. "Wow, now that's a new one."
Anyway, I choose to put my trust in God. I could quote a bazillion verses about God's love for me, but I will keep it simple and share the oft-quoted Psalm 23.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Another reason not to hide.. God's people. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
So today I pray God blesses, cares for, and restores each of us when life seems to have replaced our highs with lows. Remember.. If God is for ME, who can be against ME? Ro 8:31
Jeff (hiding in the Back Pew) Larson
