It seems the majority of my conversations these days are consumed with the economic crisis in our country and around the world. No matter how a conversation begins and what the topic is, it seems the subject pretty quickly veers off, mirroring a sense of anxiety and lack of control. I don’t know about you but It is easy for me to become obsessed with listening, analyzing and stewing over every little detail reported by the media, every new comment delivered by the government and Wall Street.
This morning I woke up tired….tired of thinking about it all. I know it is a significant time in our history and that the pain is being felt, and will continue, for some time to come and I don’t mean to diminish that. But, at least for today, I need a break. I need a break from all the worry, from the speculation, from the fear mongering. So I thought of all the things that I can do instead that will help me see the things that are right in front of me, those things I may have some influence on, some control over, that will give me a break from it all. I was reminded of a colleague who when asked how he is, in even the most stressful of times, always says:"In all the ways that matter, I am just fine."
Here are just some of the things I thought of: I can take a walk, taking in the beautiful fall colors, kicking the fallen leaves as I go. I can buy some pumpkins for my front porch. I can make cookies and enjoy the wonderful smell that will waft through our house. I can read a good book, hopefully one with a wonderful story set in a place I’ve always wanted to go, maybe even one with a little romance. I can play in the backyard with the kids next door who always make me laugh and bring me such joy. I can visit a friend who is in the hospital. I can listen to some wonderful music and dance around my living room. I can make a big pot of soup and invite friends over to share it. I can sing a song at the top of my lungs. I can sit in my rocking chair and simply rock. I can call my Mom. I can clean out a drawer or a closet. I can say a prayer for all the children of the world. I can pray for their safety and for those who care for them. I can make a list of all the blessings in my life. I can treasure this day which God has made and be glad for all I have. I can reach out to those who are less fortunate.I can pray for the wisdom and discernment of those who are making important decisions on our behalf. I can pray for their honesty with themselves and with us. So many things I can do.
It is times like these, when it is so easy to focus on what can’t be done, that it is good to take stock of what can be.Times like these can remind us of what is truly important, what ultimately sustains us, what bring us joy. Someone much wiser than I said:" Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you."(Philippians 4:8-9)
I think the apostle Paul got it right. Sound advice for taking a break in difficult times.
Have a blessed weekend………………………..