Stress

Right now I am about as stressed as I can ever remember being. Now I'm not tearing my hair out or anything like that (not that I have any to rip) but I'm feeling it physically, mentally, and emotionally. Why am I stressed? Today I sent in the last of the information that the mortgage company would need in order for us to close on our new home on Wednesday. If that's not stressful enough, Kellie and I are now in the midst of trying to pack up a family of six in such a way that it doesn't disrupt the flow of daily life. Our basement is filled with things, many of which we won't take with us (can you say yard sale?) but we have to go through everything and there is quite honestly more trash than I know what to do with.

Thankfully, we have some students from my youth group and the Forbush High School football team that will help us on Thursday and Friday, which means that once we finally get everything boxed up and ready to go the move itself should go pretty smooth. But then we have to unpack...And in the midst of all of that we face this challenge with 4 kids running around, 2 of whom are very little and don't know how to stay out of harm's way. Like I said, I'm a little bit stressed.

Now I am no psychologist, but I did mention above the way that stress can affect you. There is the mental, physical, and emotional aspects but I failed to mention the spiritual aspects. If we aren't careful, then our spiritual lives can take the biggest toll if we turn to our devices to deal with stress and not to the Lord. So here is my amateur assessment of how to handle stress in such a way that it doesn't handle you:

1) Don't slack one bit in your spiritual disciplines. If you are in the habit of daily Bible study and prayer then remain in that habit. Do not deviate! Philippians 4:6-7 is a powerful reminder of just how we need to stay focused on Christ during any stressful time of life: "Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Wow! That just about covers every area that stress can affect in your life.

2) Make a plan and stick to it. As we near our moving date I have mapped out on paper what I want to accomplish each day. This way it is easier to avoid feeling overwhelmed because you have a plan of attack. It is wonderful therapy to be able to mark an item off of your list no matter how small that item is. Progress is a great remedy to stress.

3) Seek help and accept help. If you are overwhelmed with a project or upcoming event, ask for help. You will be surprised how many people will come to your rescue in your time of need. And if out of the blue someone offers to help you, unless they will be hindrance to the task, accept their offer. You've prayed to God for help and this is often how He answers those prayers.

4) Take regular breaks. Step away from the assignment. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Work out and burn off some of that built up stress. Do something to get your mind off of the task even if just for half an hour, such as reading a book, watching your favorite TV show, or playing a game or sport.

5) Know your limits. Sometimes the task at hand is just too big or there is just not enough time. While you must always strive to do your best, there is no need to kill yourself and alienate others around you as you scramble in a froth-filled frenzy to do what you know is impossible. This is not quitting or admitting weakness, it's simply being realistic.

This list is not exhaustive but it pretty well covers how I am trying to cope with the stress that is trying to invade every minute of my day. I believe with all of my heart that God is keenly interested in how we handle stressful situations. Will we choose to rely on Him and His providence or will we turn to self and others and fall apart at the seams? Oh, and if you want to help us move on Thursday and Friday, we certainly won't turn you away!