As I drove home after meeting with a coaching client, I noticed a white van ahead of me. The logo of its business was printed across the back doors: “Faith Panting.”
What?
I blinked and adjusted my glasses, then realized the name was actually “Faith Painting.” Somehow the tiny ‘i’ had disappeared with my first glance. I have no idea what Faith Painting means or how the company chose their name, but it was catchy.
But the more I thought about it, the more I understood the idea of ‘faith panting.’
Dogs pant when they are tired. After they run around the yard or chase a rabbit, their tongues hang out and they pant, heaving and dripping saliva.
When we tire from the struggles of life, weary from one trial after another or discouraged by loneliness — we emotionally pant. We try to catch our breath and figure out what has happened to us. As we pant from fatigue, we determine to take a break, rest, and let our emotional resources build up again.
A visit with a friend helps. A greeting card with just the right words. The reminder that God never leaves us. He gives us the strength we need to breathe steady again.
Cats may pant when they are in pain or distress. It’s a signal for help. Although cats are independent and act self-sufficient, cat lovers can tell when their fur babies hurt.
When we are in pain, we pant with the need to let the hurt escape. We may try to self-comfort or even numb ourselves to the trauma. We may look to an addiction to replace the hole inside.
But faith encourages us to let someone help us. To signal that we need help. A cup of coffee with a friend. A counseling appointment with a trusted wisdom-giver. Talking to someone who has been through the same type of hurt.
Self-sufficiency rarely solves deep problems. Our busyness and attempt to forget may initially dull the pain. But we fool ourselves as we continue to pant and try to do it alone. No matter how safe isolation feels, we will always need each other. Healthy relationships help bandage our faith hurts.
Another reason animals pant is to cool off. To return their bodies to a reasonable temperature and relieve the physical distress.
When anger consumes us, we can learn how to cool off. But let’s be clear. Anger is an honest emotion and often prompts us to take important actions. But hidden anger can cause real emotional damage. Internalizing into a numbing depression that sneaks up on us before we realize it.
So how can we successfully pant the angers away?
- Acknowledge that we feel the anger. Speak the truth, even if we need to confront the person who angered us. We can move forward when we address what is happening.
- Admit that we need help. A trusted counselor, antidepressants, a plan for returning to a healthy emotional temperature. Find the person who listens well. Admit how we need grace from one another.
- Take action. A brisk walk increases endorphins and helps anger fade. A listing of gratitudes chases the gloom away. A visit with someone who is not currently panting.
- Intentional rest. Plan a day of joy and drive away from your current mess. Last Friday, my friend and I drove to Ottawa, Kansas, for a day of thrift shopping, Mexican food at Fronteras, and an ice cream treat at DQ. A refreshing day that steadied my panting heart.
So check your inner temperature. If you’re panting, try some of these relief suggestions. Move in a direction of more peaceful faith.
©2024 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
Image: Geralt / Pixabay
Do your trust muscles need a tune-up? Check out It’s All About Trust: How to Grow Your Trust in God.