Last week, family events pressed upon me at a greater intensity. Bob and Aaron were disagreeing about how to sell Aaron’s house. I was stuck in the middle. Bob expounded all the things that can ever go wrong in life, and expressed that they probably would. I decided that I can no longer let these troubles inside my heart where they produce enough anxiety and fear to immobilize me. I can no longer react in the best ways. I feel like a spectator wringing my hands!
So, I chose to put problems, worries, negative thoughts, and all other things included in that group….to put them out at arm’s distance, where I can see them, but they can’t ‘get to me’. I thought of putting myself in a bubble. Within the bubble would be happy things, or the ability to see good in what is happening now. It’s a pleasant place because I choose to make it so. I smile. I breathe deeply, and I feel safe. I can build this bubble with prayer, music, service, thankfulness, scriptures, etc. Do you think it worked? Ya, it did. I was able to deal with problems and move on. I let only what I chose into my ‘bubble’.
Last night I was listening to an interview with the LDS songwriter/singer, Hilary Weeks. She said the same thing in her way. She said when she counted her negative thoughts she became depressed, but if she switched and counted the positive ones, she felt peaceful. So, there you go..just a little ‘tweak’ makes all the difference in the world.
So, I’m thinking, “Lord, I’ve learned a lesson. Could you just take away some of the problems in the first place?” Ha.
Do Our Best
Do our best in all we do; that is all our Father asks.
At work, at play, stay firm and true to all life’s varied tasks.
When we slip and sin, we cheat ourselves in many different ways.
Don’t build our house upon the sand. Repent and forgive each day.
God gives us weakness to humble us. This helps us turn to Him.
If we do, weakness fades, for with Christ we start to win.
If we learn and serve our Lord in truth, Christ lights our darkened way.
The more we search and understand our sweet Lord, the more we want to obey.
See 2 Corinthians chapter 4 about being troubled on every side, but not distressed.
