He leads me beside the still waters, he restoreth my soul.
Psalm 23:2
Hello Dear One,
Most of you know that I am a neat freak. I am probably the only person in Clearwater who loves, loves the smell of Pine Sol and Lysol. This week I decided to re-do my bedroom: new paint, bedlinens, and art. Windows were washed inside and out, blinds dusted, and much purging was done. Goodwill must have been pleased with all my donations of clutter. By Friday, the room looked fresh and new, but my joy felt lifeless. Bone tired and with joints aching, I poured myself an Epson salt bath and nestled into the steaming water and prepared to savor the massaging jets of welcoming relief from my pain. As I relaxed into the meditative moment, I had an insight. I had once again done what I always tend to do when dealing with difficult emotions. I got busy. I had fallen victim to the mistaken belief that outer order will create inner calm. This has always been my go-to coping mechanism. What needed arranged was not my furniture, but my mindset. Being a Christian, I understand that the Bible affirms that rain will fall on the just and the unjust, but I just could not wrap my head, heart, or spirit around the fact that Chris had died such a tragic and unexpected death. And so I cleaned.
We all have coping mechanisms: some use alcohol, anxiety-relieving drugs, exercise, over-eating, or shopping. Prayer works for me only after I have cleaned out the messiness and am ready to receive the peace that only Christ can offer. Friend, whether you are dealing with a sudden death, debt, relationship discord, or misbehaving children, it is important to have an action plan in place. Bless you if you are one of those fortunate individuals who turn to Christ first. I clean and my bedroom and my mind feel renewed. My soul is restored. If you turn to Jesus first, or after you have exhausted your own resources, He stands waiting to receive you. Thank you Savior, Linda
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