It’s no secret that I live a crazy life. My mom tells me repeatedly (and has for years) that I just need to slow down, just say no, just give up some activities. Funny thing is…I think she is right. In a way.
I feel just like the Apostle Paul…I keep doing the things I don’t want to do and don’t do the things I do want to do. *loose translation*
Take Stillness. I’m not able to quiet my mind very often; not during the day and, sadly, not during the night either. Takes me forever to quiet my mind at night so that I can finally sleep and when I do sleep, I wake up several times, my mind on full buzz overload.
I saw a poster on Pinterest yesterday…wait…you don’t know about Pinterest? Also known as The Collossal Time Suck of all Times? I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest. Anyway, the sign..
And in that wicked, crazy, mind spiraling way my mind works, I realized it was true. Well, the basic message was true, in any case. I always seem to give up exercising when I am stressed, out of time, overwhelmed. Exercising, along with my Morning Quiet Time, should be something I turn to…not from.
I was reminded of this again during my Quiet Time this morning…which was all about Stillness and Peace. I miss daily, regular, strenuous exercise in my life. In all honesty, like most things I do *thank you, OCD* exercise becomes an obsession. Lining up my ducks in a row in the morning…getting up at a certain time, deciding if I do exercise first or Quiet Time first, etc., becomes a strict routine that, when interrupted, sets me off. This time, however, I am determined to be a kinder, gentler, less obsessed Girl and, pardon the cliche…”Just Do It.”
One of the stressors in my life right now is the fact that our Pastor for the last nine years is leaving. He is also my boss. It’s a double whammy of loss. The next few weeks leading up to his last Sunday, August 26, are going to be brutal. After August 26, however, I figure I will really need my (less) obssessive, morning routine.
Oh, and all that stress that I have not been handling effectively? Led to a minor outbreak of shingles. I felt them coming on the week before the beach, but didn’t realize what it was. Thankfully, it was a minor breakout, but I do need to get a grip so that they stay away.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
susanwheelersmith.com 