Got Stress? (31)

 “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” ~Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Got Stress?

          After a long and stressful day, some find their comfort in alcohol or a glass of wine. Some find their comfort by popping pills. Some smoke about a pack a day. Some like to play videos games and smoke grass. Some cry a river that leads to an ocean. Some choose to relieve stress by gulping down every appetizing chocolate piece, cupcake, or cookie in sight. Some blast the music and eagerly dance it off.  Some may watch a comedy for a laugh or hang with friends. Well you get the point, whether positive or negative…people relieve stress in several different ways. 

          I do admit that I love ice cream and on some stressful days I will just eat a cup or three. On some stressful days, a private walk, a trip to the treadmill, or gym class works just fine.  Sometimes I go to the library and take my treasure home curling up in sweet serenity. There is nothing like those moments of quiet engulfed in the wisdom of a good book or story. As the author, wipes each page with ink, you become totally captivated and for a moment you forget about you woes. Some books even empower you and fill you with strength. It is like the author is talking directly to you and has surveyed your heart under a microscope. Then, there are days that I want to be the writer. I splice out my words onto the blank page and for a moment I am lost in time. As I write, I encourage myself and let out every anxiety felt. 

          But on those REALLY stressful days...ooooo child sit down somewhere kinda days... then the only thing that can calm me down is time alone with God and those quiet personal moments of solemn prayer and worship are everything that I need. So in the midst of my busy and hectic schedule, I take care that I don’t miss those moments. These moments aren’t obligation, but they are essential. I don’t take these moments for granite in the constant schedule of my life. These moments have become ever so precious to me. I find joy in meeting with God each day. Although, I know he is with me throughout the entire day, there is nothing like the moments of solitude where I find the most strength. 

So in the midst of everyone trying to find ways to relieve their stress, I know who the healer of all stress is and in him I find complete comfort that ice cream, milk and cookies, and even gym time can’t replace. Even on those days that I am ready to pull my hair out then I have to remember who has it all in control.

Today, slow down and spend time with the healer of all stress and I promise once you leave that place of rest then you won’t feel the same. And maybe....just maybe you will be able to push on a little farther.