I push mow my elderly neighbor’s lawn. It’s a beautiful, thick lawn that loves to grow and takes about 45 minutes to mow. I enjoy being outside so I really don’t mind. But I do mind that there are around 4-5 holes in her yard that are difficult to see because of the thick grass. Invariably, I step in at least one each time I mow. My ankles do not enjoy this added feature of lawn care! They end up hurting me all week long. It would help if I’d pay more attention and watch for the holes, but they seem to continually sneak up on me. I wish someone would have told me to watch out for the potholes.
Likewise, if we’re not careful, life can trip us up. Negative thoughts have a way of sneaking up on us, and before we realize it: worry and fear have moved in. When this happens, our own thoughts hold us down. They keep us from living a peaceful life. God wants to help with this. “Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think…” (Romans 12:2, CEV) Trusting God in our difficult situations is a great place to start. When we look to him, we begin to feel his peace. “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3, NLT). Life offers plenty of chances for worry to sneak into our thoughts. God has an answer for each one. “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. “(Philippians 4:6-7, CEV) My advice: watch out for the potholes!
Things to do today:
- Call out to God as soon as you start to worry.
- Read a similar blog called ‘It’s Okay, You Can Let Go’ and listen to songs ‘Just Be Held’ and ‘Fear is a Liar.’
My family spent a fun week camping at my brother’s-swimming in the pool, fishing and tubing on Lake Erie, and visiting Kelly’s Island. My nephew Ben participated in every activity. Because of this, I learned a few simple lessons. Ben took his floatie off in water over his head so he could try swimming to his mom and grandma.
My class walked to the library early this morning in a light rain with warm air. Since we weren’t dealing with a cold wind and pelting, unforgiving rain, it was a bit of an adventure. About an hour later, however, everything changed. The next class walked in a thick fog with significantly colder air. That walk to the library wasn’t enjoyable; we put our heads down and marched determinedly on. Thankfully, the cool and damp air was soon forgotten in the light and warmth of the library.
Recently I saw a movie that had God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as an integral part of the storyline. They each interacted with the main character, (Mackenzie), and supported him in his heartache and pain. Many scenes gripped my heart and sent my emotions on a roller coaster ride. But one scene in particular continues to visit my thoughts. Mackenzie steps out of a small boat and literally walks on the water with Jesus. Later, when he tries it again, instead of walking on the water, he sloshes through it. He looks back at Jesus in confusion. Jesus lovingly says, “This always works better when we do it together, don’t you think?” (Good point to ponder.)
When I’m in a Zumba class, sometimes I don’t think I’ll make it all the way to the end. I’ll cruise through the warm-up, make it through 3 or 4 songs, and then somewhere in the middle I question my sanity for being there. (To be completely honest, there have been people who have questioned my sanity in other areas of my life, but that’s another story…) I know I’m not alone in my exhaustion, because I see people glancing at the clock and peeking at their watches. Just when I’m thinking of an excuse to sneak out of class, I hear my favorite words, “Last song.” It’s amazing how that changes my attitude. Instead of quitting, I finished!
Sometimes it seems like everyone I know is fighting a battle. Most of the battles are fierce, knock-down, and drawn-out fights. I have a friend who is battling a rare form of cancer, one who is caring for an ailing mother, and another one who is grieving the loss of a parent. Unfortunately, there are so many others who are stressed in one way or another. Within these struggles, we can feel lonely; no one really understands our heartache, our worry, our pain. Sometimes we feel like we are standing alone on the battlefield and the enemy before us is too big. That’s simply not true. We are never going into any battle alone. Ever.
I bought a bicycle like they use in Spin Classes at the gym. You know, the classes where all the participants look like they’ve been chiseled out of granite? Yep, I have that bike. It’s actually pretty hilarious as my body feels like it was formed from a large box of Play Doh. As I ride, I watch a Spin Class video and I think the instructor can read my mind. Just when I am thinking I might stop she says, “Don’t quit now! You can do this!” So I keep going. When I think I am not going to make it to the end, she says, “Come on, you’re an athlete, show us how it’s done!” (For some reason Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Glory Days’ is going through my mind…) I’m happy to say with the extra encouragement I usually make it through the workout, but I keep hoping it’s going to get a little easier.
I believe in angels. One of the reasons I believe is related to the car accident I had about 8 years ago. Most of that night remains a blur; I didn’t hear the sirens of the ambulance, the State Highway Patrol, or the sheriff’s car that arrived at the scene. But there are 3 comments I distinctly remember. From the patrol officer on duty, “I can’t believe I am getting to talk to you. We always get called out for fatalities on that road.” The Emergency Room doctor said, “You must have someone watching over you.” Lastly, the EMT driving the ambulance, “You must have angels watching over you.” Psalm 91:11-12 agrees, “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”