STRESS!!!!

Sorry this is a day late but I didn’t get on my computer all day yesterday. One other thing that I am supposed to be working on is my stress level. I have always had too much stress in my life but I am trying to correct this problem. I am not making too many changes in this area but I am not letting myself get stressed over things I have no control over.

I had a really good Sunday. I am happy to report that the medications or lack of medications are working. I was able to play in my gardens most of the day with only minimal allergy irritation. Some people view working with plants as work but for me it is total relaxation. It is a way for me to unwind, clear my mind and relieve stress. I also feel like I am doing something positive when I grow plants.

Coincidently our sermon this week was about relieving stress. Our lives have gotten so hectic that we are under stress all week. Living for the weekend has gotten to mean working all week so that we can do home projects on the weekend. Years ago people worked all week so that they could spend time with their family and relax on the weekend. Now we work all week so we can work all weekend. No wonder so many people are stressing out and snapping.

I remember when I was a child we would take it easy on the weekends. We devoted one whole day to relaxing. It was the Sabbath and a time to slow down and give thanks. We usually slept late then headed out to Church. We started out with small group Bible study which was broken up into age groups. After bible study, everyone went into the main Church for the service. There was always “children’s time” during the service and the preacher would tell a short Bible story just for the kids. If it took a little longer than planned, that was ok. There was no time limit.

Following church we either stayed for a pot luck dinner or went to my grandmother’s house for dinner. After dinner we would just sit around and visit. While the adults were talking, the kids would go outside and play. My favorite thing to do was to go down to the ditch near my grandmother’s house and look for turtles. There were plenty of them there but they were too fast to catch. There was never any hurry to get back home. This was where we wanted to be. It was usually late when we did get back home and we would get cleaned up and then watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.

These days, no one seems to be content with where they are. We are always trying to get someplace else. There never seems to be any end to the madness. We are always thinking about what is next or what tomorrow has to offer instead of enjoying what this moment has to offer. It’s like being at an amusement park and thinking about the next ride before you even had a chance to enjoy the one you are on. Sadly we have already missed many things by rushing through life but I am beginning to realize that I am where I want to be and it is time to slow down and enjoy life.

I am at work now and you know what? It is quiet and peaceful and it really is nice. I have nothing to complain about and I am very content with my life and where I am right now. I hope you are too.

Have a great day,
Greg

Comments

Lori said…
It looks like God is working in your life to grow you closer to Him as well. I have to confess, I hate getting older. It does help me to turn over control to our heavenly Father.

Praying for you dear brother in Christ,

Lori
Greg,
Thanks! I am actually hoping to stop by and see you and your son's garden business! I might need the address, though, of where the business is! ;)
Kathy said…
I enjoyed spending some time yesterday watching my husband, daughter, and granddaughter fish while I worked the Sunday crossword with the sun warming my face. No stress there!
Kristen said…
I completely agree! I find that even spending time with my family gets stressful on the weekends because we're always going somewhere. We hardly ever just hang out at home, and I really need to do that to regroup from the week. We did do that this weekend on Saturday afternoon, and it was wonderful.

I'm also learning slowly about enjoying the here and now, instead of always looking ahead to what's next. I don't know why that's so hard to do, but I know I'll be much happier if I can do it.

Hope the rest of your day at work goes well!
Wanda said…
You and I must be from the same "era" as I too remember those restful weekend. In fact, my Dad told us to get every done on Sat so we wouldn't need to iron our dress or polish our shoes....cause Sunday was a day of rest....I used to tease my Dad and say OK then why do I have to help with the dishes.

Loved those old day.....especially Sunday's ....they were spent just like yours.

Lots of Love and NO STRESS OK??
It's a good feeling when you realize that you're exactly where you're supposed to be.

Very thought provoking post, although I do feel like I have come to this realization already, but reminders never hurt!

Yesterday I spent doing what I love to do most, hike & take photos, and of a waterfall no less!
Janice Thomson said…
You really nailed this one Greg. People worked harder years ago but they also knew how to relax too. Nowadays it's rush here, rush there, do this, do that - yep a good start to a stressful life. One thing we can always be certain about- if something doesn't get done right away it will still be there the day after LOL.
Glad to know you are feeling better and taking it easy a bit more.
Angie said…
I'm so glad you sound to be doing better. I'm practicing living in the present moment. So tired of multitasking and looking to the future. We miss so many gifts that way. I was wondering the other day how many people are sick and stressed because they don't rest at least one day a week. I bet many unfortunately. Good reminders for us, Greg. You keep taking care, ok?
Kati said…
Now see.... THAT'S why I like it when my hubby takes the car on Fridays and leaves me "stranded" at home. It gives me reason to be able to say "No, I can't do that today, I'm spending the whole day at home." Not that I don't have limits on my time, of course (must get off the computer in time to make dinner, for example), but the limits are much less, and my freedom to do as I wish without following a schedual is much greater.

There was an interesting book I read a couple of years back about the importance of having a "sabbath" in one's week. Even if one is not religious or spiritual, to set aside one day each week to focus on the quieter, less rushed parts of our lives and to just.... be, is important. Without it, our lives spiral out of control and we feel as though we're just going through the motions, not truly living. The arguement was made (and this was written by a Rabbi) that God knew our souls would need a break from the daily hum-drum and while he prefers that we spend a good portion of that day in worship of him, that even just enjoying the day for being, is a great part of why God designated one day in every 7 as a day of rest. Makes sense to me!

Anyway, I hope you have a fantastic week!!!
Kim S in SC said…
So glad to hear that you are feeling better, and that you got to work in your garden! I know you enjoyed that! To rest in HIM, that is the best. Praying that you will continue to find the time to relax and rest, and that your blood pressure will stay in the normal range. Take care!
sandy said…
Enjoyed reading your thoughts on stress (and I hope you're feeling better). Wow, mentioning Wild Kingdom sure brought up a lot of memories.

sandy
Andrea said…
I find it strange how even though life is so much easier with washing machines, microwaves, etc. our lives are so much busier. It is our own fault for trying to keep up with the next guy. It is sad that people are so stressed to the point that they are rude to their own families and even strangers. I really enjoyed your post today.

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