“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13 ESV
A few weeks after the passing of my father, I found myself in a stressful situation. You know how it is in the wake of a loved one passing you often find yourself in the throws of paperwork, decisions and financial problems to solve. Dad’s will was specific and he and Mom had already put my husband and I on the deed of their house, so there was really not “problems”, it was just stuff, tasks to complete. On top of all the other things of life, teenagers in High School, Job and Ministry demands…. you know, the usual. I remember this day really vivid, and as I am typing I am actually sitting on the porch of our family home, thinking through the events of that day.
Life was coming at me from all directions and in a moment, I felt extremely overwhelmed. Overcoming stress and anxiety are not new to me, but with all the emotions of missing my Daddy, I think I just felt so empty of any of me usual, “come on Liz, you got this”. So, I moved. Well, I didn’t pack up my things and move, I actually got up from the kitchen table and walked out of the house. The day wasn’t even a really pretty day, it was a little overcast and gray and it felt much like my mood. But, I knew I had to move, I had to relocate my physical and emotional. I believe this coping mechanism is what should be practiced often will dealing with stress or anxiety. Just move, Walk around, walk outside, walk in your home; simply get a new perspective of where you are and what you are doing. Take some breaths and realize that your circumstances may not change… but your position and emotions can.
Later that afternoon, I pulled myself together and completed the tasks. It was amazing how my fresh perspective, cleared my heart and my mind.
In 1 Peter chapter 1, Peter is sharing a word to several congregations in different geographical areas. What is interesting to me about this passage is that the same advice applied to many different folks. You know what that says to me… we all could use a little pep talk every now and then. He says in verse 13, “pull yourself together when trying times come, by aware and ready to make good decisions, because, Christ, who has gone before you is leading the way and your going to make it too!!”
Sometimes, you just gotta move. Pull yourself together and understand that you can do this, you can overcome, you do not have to be overwhelmed, afraid, disillusioned or confused.
Prayer: Father, help me to take in the fresh air of new perspective. When I am overwhelmed, give me the strength to stop, move to a new location emotionally and get a clearer understanding of your love and purpose for the moment I am in. Selah
"May the God of all hope, fill you.." Romans 15:13 