Years ago, there was a commercial showing a woman taking a bath saying, “Calgon, take me away!” In recent times I have found myself needing some “Calgon moments!”
Let’s keep it real…ministry can be stressful and at times down right depressing. Ask Elijah, Moses, Jeremiah, John, Paul and Jesus!
As a pastor, wife, mother, daughter, sister, mentor, community leader and friend, things can get a bit overwhelming. Due to menopause and hormonal upheaval, aching knees, numerous family and ministry responsibilities, etc., there are days when I feel down. When the skies are literally and figuratively gloomy, when my “tween” girl is exceedingly “sassy,” when I wake up at 3:00 a.m. and can’t fall back to sleep, thinking about “this or that,” a spirit of weariness can take hold.
As Christians, we frequently deny the aforementioned feelings, thinking that expressing them will make us appear less “holy” or “faith-filled.” I beg to differ. Admitting we have these feelings simply make us human. Having said that, there are some practical things that I have found that help to take the edge off when life becomes challenging…
- If possible, get out and walk… Walking is a great way to clear your head, release some stress and exercise…
- Take a hot shower or bath and use a bubbly fragrance that appeals to your senses. Aromatherapy is real!!! There is something soothing and lifting about beautiful fragrances. They help to relax you and release natural agents in your body (endorphins) that can help to lift your mood. Lavender, vanilla/almond or jasmine/vanilla have been particularly helpful fragrances for me…
- Find a private space to talk out loud to God…Hearing your lament and struggle can help you to process your feelings before the Lord. After you talk, listen, trust and obey…
- Take deep breaths, sit quietly with your eyes closed and your palms lifted. This “centering” activity can also help relieve stress and cultivate inner healing and peace…
- Look at nature. Listen to the birds sing. Watch them fly through the air. Look at plants and flowers. Listen to some soothing music. All of these small things help to cultivate inner calm and peace.
Let me hasten to say, obviously, there are major sufferings in life that cannot be melted away by a bubble bath. Understandably, these simple actions will not erase the issues you are facing or the realities of your life. However, they can lift, strengthen, encourage and empower you to lift up your head and smile. You may not be able to change your circumstances, but you can change your outlook. Through grace, faith, prayer and intentional actions, you can rise and shine!
Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com
Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org
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