Drowning Out The Screaming

A few weeks ago, Carrie and I took the boys out for some Christmas shopping.  I know ... what was I thinking?  Actually, the crowds were bearable and we ended up having a pleasant day.  That was, UNTIL, we got in the car to go home.  Our 4-month old, Henley, hates the car.  It's odd.  He's an easy baby - eats well, sleeps well, and has a laid-back demeanor.  BUT, for some unknown reason, he flips out within minutes of getting into his car seat. 

Anyway, we were headed back from a mall on the other side of town.  As usual, Henley was screaming wildly.  But, what stood out to me that day was not his crying.  Instead, as I looked back into the rear view mirror, I was intrigued by how little it impacted our 3 year old, Hayden.  As he sat there next to him, Hayden had completely zoned his little brother out.  Despite the yelling, crying, and hysteria - he'd managed to focus on the DVD player in front of him.  He was a foot away from the madness and yet acted as if he were alone in the quietness of his room.

In this case, I'm glad Hayden could do that.  In fact, I wish I could do that.  It would make our travels a lot less stressful.  But, it also reminded me of how easy it is to do the same with much larger issues in life.  Disaster, crisis, and hurt are all around us and yet I manage to drown out the screaming as I focus on much lesser matters.  It's a shame.  I'm asking God to help me.

"Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to eternity."  (Hosanna, Hillsong United)

Do you struggle with this, too?