23 September 2012
"Where have you been?" Remember when you came in late to curfew and a waiting parent ambushed you straight away...firing the question. A partner comes how after you expect and the question spills out before your can prevent it. Depending on which side of the question you are on, one thing you both have in common is stress. Stress and worry that something has happened to your teenager who is out 'til 3am...stress and worry that your parent/s will be awake when you get home. Stress and anxiety when three hours go by and your partner isn't back...stress and anxiety as you deal with what's holding you back.
Stress, worry, anxiety, fear all rob us of life...sucking it away one minute, one hour, one week at a time. We either worry about the past...things over and done already. It pulls us back it with would-da, could-da, should-da. My counselor used to say, "Don't should on yourself!" The other way we are robbed of life comes when the future drags us forward as if our foot got stuck in the stirrup of a sprinting race horse. The anxiety paralyzes the spirit as fear seeps in for something that hasn't even happened yet.
Our seven year almost whispered under her breath as we did homework last week, "I'm stressed and worry all the time at school." The next day I asked her to write down the time of day and what was happening. Turns out testing pushed those buttons in this conscientious nine year old. Can I do it? Do I measure up to the expectations? What will happen to me if I fail?
Stressed out? Feeling out of control? Head and shoulders tightening or stomach aching? Try what I told my daughter...breathe. Literally take a deep breath in through your nose for at least four counts. Now without stopping your breath at the top, roll it over to release the breath out through your mouth for the same number of counts. Close your eyes if you can. Repeat. Stay present without letting the past drag you back or the future pull you forward. Stay present...acknowledging and letting go of any thoughts that rise up.
Stay present today as this week begins. No testing will diminish your birthright as a child of God. You are loved. You are cared for and belong to One who will NEVER fail you...it's a promise.
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