Hello dear ones,
I pray that you are feeling peaceful and calm this morning. When you and I are faced with a new week looming large, our emotions can be complex and constantly changing. This week also begins a new month bringing summer to a close. Days becoming shorter. A new school year. Kids leaving for college. Our emotions may be signaling anxiety, frustration, or sadness, and we may be experiencing what Emily Dickinson calls “The mob within the heart.” We may feel like we are tossed about like a boat without a rudder. While it is important not to deny our feelings, Paul tells us to clothe ourselves with tenderness, kindness, mercy, gentleness, and patience. When we read these verses, we often tend to think of how we are treating others, and for sure we must love others; but can we please learn to love ourselves and tend to our wounds with as much kindness? I am learning that when I feel grief, to place my hand on my heart, feel the sadness, and have compassion for my pain. The sorrow doesn’t go away, but acknowledging, “Oh, this is how I’m feeling right now,” allows me to keep my mind and heart steady and calm. I can enjoy this beautiful life. Each day is an amazing gift. I can make each day a good day even if it’s a sad day.
Ask yourself often this week, “What am I feeling?” Acknowledge the emotion. Sit with it. What are the underlying feelings beneath the sadness? Is it fear? Anger? When we are not allowing our emotions free reign in our lives, when we trust Jesus to calm the storm inside, you and I can enjoy a peace-filled day. Linda