The last week has been a whirlwind of work obligations, family engagements, doctor visits, shopping for the Race, packing for camp, and presenting about my trip. Combining all of those “to-dos” in one week definitely kept me burning the night oil. Little sleep and a chaotic schedule lead to me giving in to a short fuse and taking out my built up emotions on those I love. Sunday was one of those days where no matter how hard you try to control your emotions and rationalize with yourself you are still upset. A seemingly neutral remark can keep you wreathing for hours. And let me tell you “easy to anger” is not a fruit of the Spirit.
I would hope those who know me well would say I am normally a pretty easy going person that likes to be happy and spread that cheer to others. So when I start falling into the short fuse realm, I know it is time for me to isolate myself. When I get to that point my mind can rarely conquer the emotions swirling around. To allow God’s peace to settle in my soul, I went to a local Arboretum on Monday to meditate in nature. Taking the time to get away and only focus on God was exactly the right medicine to help calm my anxiety and prepare me for the week to come.
When I told one of my oldest friends I was seeking some quiet reflection in nature she made a great observation about me. She said, “You know you are stressed when you need to re-charge alone, normally you re-charge with others.” She was right; I am very much an extrovert. I am always one of the last to go to bed, spending hours talking long after most drift into slumber. But I need to learn from my introverted friends and take more time to re-charge alone in the presence of God. A richness comes from sitting solely in the Lord’s presence. I have found that for me it is even greater when I am able to sit in nature to reflect. I find this helps keep me more focused then if I were to meditate in my room or in the car. Knowing how I best communicate with God is important to be aware of. How do you best communicate with God? When do you hear his wise words or feel this calming peace?
Lord I know it is important to strengthen my relationship with others but help me to follow Jesus’s example and take time for my relationship with you so I will have the peace and patience for when frustrations come my way.
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone. – Matthew 14:23
Many times I get caught up in conversation with others and end up crawling into bed afterward, but I must remember to dismiss myself early enough so I may have the energy to dedicate quality time to the Lord before bed. This verse also emphasizes the importance of spending time alone in prayer with God. The peace and clarity I received this week after my time of prayer only confirm the importance of this practice.
Be still, and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:10
