Wild Adventures Amusement and Water Park is twenty miles away, so season passes make sense, especially on these hot Florida days. Last week the boys brought a friend and the three of them decided to brave a few of the scarier rides. They checked in with me between adventures and I found a nice lounge chair with the perfect amount of sun and shade.

            I placed my hat over my eyes and stuck a rolled shirt behind my head. Within seconds I was asleep. Until I wasn’t.

            SQWAAACK.

            My whole body jumped, my hat fell off my face, and the bag I held landed on the ground. I looked all around and finally found the source. In a large cage nearby sat an oversized parrot with an oversized squawk.

            My heart slowed and I leaned back into my comfortable position. There would be no sleeping after the startle of Mr. Parrot, but I could rest while waiting for the boys.

            As I sat there, I giggled to myself. That bird totally caught me off guard. My defenses were down. And I’m very glad I didn’t have to pee.

            Immediately I thought about the squawks that disrupt my own life. Losses. Sickness. Job change. Unexpected confrontations. Stressful situations. Hasty deadlines. My list could go on and on.

            Just like that parrot, life’s squawks cause unexpected responses and create a breech in our peaceful existence. Our guard shoots back up, as do walls. Fear knocks and surges of cortisol flood our body. And we either stand up and fight. Or we step away and take flight.

            I’m grateful the loud-mouthed bird didn’t ruin the rest of my day. And I hope that when the squawks of life come, they won’t ruin my day either.

How about you? Do you handle the unexpected squawks with grace and ease, or do they mess up the rest of your day, week, and life? Take a deep look at your reactions. If one small squawk can steal all your joy and happiness, spend time asking God to help you avoid losing focus.

When the squawks come, which they will, are you ready?