Stress

Stress is all around us. The story is told of a woman whose car stalled in the middle of the road. The people behind were honking loudly. The lady went to the car directly behind hers and sweetly said, "My car doesn't want to start. If you'll go up and look at it, I'll stay here and honk for you."

You've heard it said that it's not the stress per se that harms our bodies, but our attitude towards the stress, the way we react. I've seen it in my own experience. When I let myself feel overwhelmed, I find my mind running in circles and getting no where. My digestion gets disfunctional. Pains arise that weren't there before--in fingers, intestines, limbs. Sleep is patchy. And a blood test showed a rise in cholesterol.

When I realize what is happening, I know what needs to be done. First, is to take more time in Bible study and prayer, seeking a closer connection with the God of patience, love and peace, and then, believing in the promises of God's Word, exercising trust and surrender to God's will and way. As we're instructed in Philippians 4:6, 7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

From there, I go on to make lists of prioritized goals to reach, time frames for these goals, and broken down baby steps to take in those time frames in reaching my goals. Invariably, interruptions will come, and then regrouping is necessary of time frames and baby steps.

And to top it off, I take a nice long walk in the fresh air.