Peace = A List + A Nap

 

When my son was six, he had a poster sticky-tacked to his bedroom wall. The baseball player wore red, white, and blue and displayed the perfect swing as his bat hit the ball.

But, why do I remember the poster today?

Because I’m tired.

And negative thoughts try to overshadow all the good things. So, it’s time for a mental re-set. To reflect on the whirlwind that blew through the past six weeks and to see the good among the difficult.

To focus, I make a list:

• Sent book manuscript to publisher!
• Walked through a sudden and scary family crisis
• Moved two of my favorite people and a geriatric cat into our home
• Fixed water problem in basement after days of multiple fans and countless wet towels
• Made three road trips to celebrate birthdays
• Attended a July 4^th party with extended family members we haven’t hugged since 2019
• Dealt with some more sticky family issues including one who struggles to stay clean and sober
• Despite rain, rocked the 3^rd annual “Christmas in July” with kids and grandkids
• Survived a camping trip with six grandbabies and made great memories
• Attempted to fix a broken washer
• Waited for delivery x 11 days for new washer, damaged upon delivery
• Ordered another washer, waiting on delivery … 🙂

But the question remains:

Why am I thinking about that darn poster sticky-tacked to a wall thirty years ago?

Because at the end of this exhausting list, I smile and remember the words printed on the poster:

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” ~ Philippians 4:13

That, my friend, is how we get through. All things.

All things scary, frustrating, and stressful. All the things that stretch us right alongside all the things that bless us.

Each day, we wake not knowing exactly what’s ahead. But God is already there. And we know we’ll have opportunities to rely on the gifts of His Spirit in us. Love, peace, patience, joy, faithfulness, kindness, gentleness, and self-control.*

Therein, our weakness becomes strength. We not only overcome negative thoughts, we accomplish way more than we think we can.

One day at a time. One prayer at a time. Maybe even one list at a time.

Are your thoughts focused on the mess-ups and mishaps? Make a list to re-set  your mind on what you’ve accomplished—all the hard-won victories.  Thank God for His presence and provision in your life.

Then, my friend, take a nap.

Peace for your journey ☮💗

 

*Galatians 5:22-23

Image from Pixabay