Look Beyond the Glass

BFBD7697-F9C9-4C2A-81F2-089A9358A0F1Oftentimes we are held back by what we cannot see in front of us.  Fear is one major drawback that comes into play.  Many other areas pull in the same force, as hopelessness, tiredness, etc., just no get up and go.  We all run into this at some point in life, if not often.  Pushing through what is necessary and helpful whether it be within yourself or a friend.  Come on, let’s go!

Today, I was reminded of this incident by my friend that I walk with and we still laugh over it.

The morning hours when we start walking, it is still dark, somewhat scary, but we push through to daylight, usually a forty-five minute walk before work.   Through the night, it rained and humidity levels were higher.  As with most nowadays, the air conditioner runs within the homes so condensation builds up and fogs the windows.

As we make quick contact with one another as to being ready or not, I get a text saying it is too foggy out, still remembering it is dark.   I, myself, like fog so I did not see an issue.  I look out my bedroom window and it seems fine.  In that time, my friend texts back and reports that it was her window that was fogged up.

Upon being picked up that morning by her through the darkness and ‘apparent fog’ we immediately start laughing.  We still joke about fog. 19DE7B78-404C-49CB-A180-3C85B7DD5895

So as I remembered the fog incident today, seeing it at a distance in our walk, I could not help but to think we sometimes feel we walk in a fog, our brain is in a fog state, not knowing what to do in a situation, feeling stuck, etc.  We all go through this at some point in our lives, overwhelmed with what is before us.

It is when we look to the Lord and pray for His wisdom and direction that our peace will come.   We have to trust Him and be patient.  We have to look beyond the glass that is fogged up realizing He has a purpose and a plan for you, me, all of us.

Trust Him!

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Rejected

Today I realized I still deal with rejection in my older years.   From childhood, this remains while I understand it happened through my counseling sessions. Never to this degree that I knew it had ahold on me, still.

While the rejection was not really directed at me, I assumed the feeling and just about lost it.

Working on a tax issue at work, I was given the information and amounts involved.  I went to the Clerk’s office to make payment of such.  Usually, this trip is speedily but today, the clerk made it her main job to check off and inform me that the numbers were not right, the amounts were wrong, the total payment was incorrect.  All I could hear was Reject Reject Reject.BA542300-47FD-4FE7-8832-601F86B42750

Thinking to myself and getting irritated, I did not just pick this information  out of thin air but given it like all other tax bills payable from my office.

The slow motion and precise job that she was portraying was grating on my last nerve.  I could feel my emotions changing, the fear of rejection rise within me, embarrassment if I made the costly mistake and failure within was booming in my head. The root of rejection was taking hold, in full force.

When she finally would not accept the payment because it was wrong, handing me the check and paperwork, I said I just want to get out of here.  A task that normally would take a few minutes turned into a half hour.

What she did not know and I realized once I left and calmed down to think through, my amount is correct.  Tomorrow, I will once again go and deliver the tax check.

With all that, we do not know what another is going through or experiencing in life. Have grace.  Not just with another but also yourself.

We all need Grace.

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Holding It Together?

As  I scanned my Facebook pages today, the counseling/therapy/positive group pages, I am amazed of how many, just today, are on fear and anxiety.  E4744521-880F-438D-9E28-1238D89B698D

While I know this is an everyday occurrence for many, myself included, today they just seem to stand out more.  Perhaps this is a sign, I need to focus more on and get a deeper understanding of what I am going through myself.  No qualms there.

Sadly, these days there are many that are experiencing these emotions and feeling hopelessness.  It’s not just the average Joe out there or those down on their luck, but Pastors, Attorneys, etc.  Nobody is exempt from the thoughts, emotions and even suicide.

Many will say ‘I’m Fine’ but that is not always true. Pay attention if you say it or hear that. We are ones to use that phrase so casually, to ignore what is really happening within or to not bother others. Oftentimes, others won’t bother to ask if that is fact and ask, are you really?  People just need to know somebody cares.
I don’t know where you are in this phase of life or others you may know, but know this, there is help.

Of course, I am going to say God and truly He is there 24/7 and loves you like no other but even with Him, many feel so worthless to call upon Him.  How do I know?  I’ve been there.

Hopefully, just talking to someone whether it be a friend or family member will help but I know that can sometimes be futile, as nobody is available to listen and leaves you feeling more alone.  Again, how do I know?  I’ve been there.  Why try.

If you are able, find a good Counselor that will listen and guide you.  There is nothing wrong if you see one.  Don’t let others place condemnation upon you for taking care of you.  Sadly, church and/or its members are typical of placing this stigma, as in having a lack of faith.  How do I know?  Been through it.

Seeing a Counselor, it will be helpful although not always easy as you deal and dig into areas that you never dreamed was an issue but makes sense of why you may be feeling these emotions.  You know what I am going to say next.  How do I know?  I am presently seeing a Counselor and have been.  I’m taking care of me.

So dear friend, know that what you are experiencing is only temporary.  We will all go through things in life and will feel overwhelmed in areas that can take you by surprise at times. Just don’t stay there.

Practice self-care, get some rest, breathing exercises, go out and walk.  Easier said than done, I know, but it does help.

Life can get overwhelming.  You are stronger than you think. Trust Him!

You’ve got this!
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