As we approach the end of 2017 and look forward to the New Year, I find myself both exhausted from what seems like a marathon of family activities, church functions, Christmas parties, endless cooking and cleaning. There were days when I felt like my Joy capacity was at the edge of being depleted.
Just yesterday, my son asked me if I wanted a cup of tea. I said yes, then he asked what kind of tea, then what kind of sweetener, then where is the Stevia, then do I want milk in it. Normally that wouldn’t even phase me, but last night the questions pushed my buttons to overload. I snapped at him, I don’t care what kind of tea. He was taken aback ant snapped back at me. Then threw the tea in the sink. I was so shaken that I couldn’t sleep. WOW!! All that over a cup of tea!! Now that is a bit overreacting.
So, let’s backtrack a bit. Was I doing what I teach others in my Joy Groups? Was I taking time to Breathe, to journal, to think of appreciation moments, to connect with Immanuel? As I took some personal inventory, I realized that the busyness of the season had consumed my time. Eating sweets had compromised my health. The distress of taking on way more than I was used to had put me in a state of overwhelm.
So, I went in my room and just started to think of what was I thankful for. A nice cabin in the woods that is warm on a cold night. The fact that we have a loving family that wants to be together. Knowing that Immanuel is glad to be with me even when I am undone. I sat and I breathed and regrouped. I realized in that moment, how valuable our time doing these steps: (Journaling, Shalom exercises, spending time in appreciation, connecting with Immanuel) is. These are life-giving tools to help us keep our Relational Circuits functioning well.
So now I am looking forward to a New Year not only teaching these Relational Skills in 2018 but modeling them more fully in my life.
Blessings to all as we look forward to spreading Joy in the new year.
This is so good, Marsha! Yes, I think most of us can relate to your experiences and emotions. Thank you for being transparent and open to sharing your journey in life with us. Praying blessings over you as you bring the truth with His Joy and His care for us. Happy New Year’s Eve, Eve. Blessings to you and yours. Much love. Mabel.
I love you Marsha! I love when people expose that no matter how knowledgeable that you are with Gods word, that you are still humble enough to say,I messed up. My flesh took over.I don’t like it when people tell a story (a lie) , as children of God ,that’s part of “dying to our flesh.”Tell the truth. Hey,I messed up.Please forgive me Father, I can hear God saying ,”that’s ok baby,Your Forgiven. Now go about your day being a light for me like you always are.