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When life has drained you to your toes, you don’t need another lecture or admonition. You need a warm bath, a good night of sleep and maybe a homemade, large, warm chocolate chip cookie with pecans—or a turkey burger.
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Last night, as the sun slowly ebbed over the mountains and the breeze danced through the pine trees surrounding us, we sat in silence for just a few minutes totally enjoying mutual companionship on our deck. We typically gather here each summer evening. For some years, Nathan makes us turkey burgers once a week and last night they were particularly good.
Then I said, “Do you ever feel like life is meaningless?”
Immediately, they both laughed! “Why are you laughing?” I asked.
“Because it is a topic that comes up somewhat often. Then we brush it aside, go about our days. But it is the very reason we cultivate community, friends, rhythms of pleasure, and time at home. “
Evidently, they, like me, sometimes look at personal issues, be they financial, conflict in relationships, jobs or lack there of, just so much work in life. Then there are the political storms, the moral and concerns of our day, (gender issues, abortion, war, corruption and violence) issues and it seems overwhelming. It’s understandable that in these seasons, we are all drained to our toes and tempted to feel a bit of despair.
I was studying this week and found that there were at least 5 godly leaders who “wish they had never been born.” (Moses, Jeremiah, Job, Jonah and Elijah!) the Bible is so fresh and realistic about human life in a fallen world. It is ok to feel the despair that a world separated from God feels like in our hearts. But learning to take responsibility for our own souls to try to keep moving away from despair is a part of our faith-filled world.
Psalm 9:9 has been a stalwart word to me in these times:
“The Lord is a refuge for all who are oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” and
Psalm 34: 17-18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
If you have been tempted to despair or felt depression, you are in good company with many generations of godly people. Negative feelings or thoughts do not reflect maturity or righteousness, but they often express a proper reaction to a very broken world. And yet, God is with us, He will answer and He cares for you. Today, in my podcast, I speak of ways and rhythms I practice in my life to bring my being back to health and strengthen and ways to keep myself going forward.
When Elijah was fully wanting to give up, an angel touched him, fed him and gave him sleep—3 of many ways that His weary body was ministered to.
Join me on my podcast today to hear of my practices and I would love to know what you do when you need some light, a boost in your spiritual and emotional life. Be blessed my friends, He cares for you.
Sooooo, when you are a bit drained or weary, sometimes the best thing is a fresh, homemade chocolate chip cookie, a good night of sleep, and a hot bath with epson salts or bubbles. I thought I would share with you a few things I do and keep going that keep me above water in the storms of life. I would love to know what you do.
My own tools of taming life, bringing back some pleasure and joy
Clay and I bought the biggest bed we could find about 20 years ago, To cuddle up amidst several pillows and snuggle under my duvet, is pure luxury. When I can, I sleep! Sleep keeps a body from getting ill and keeps it healthy.
I actually love to travel, especially on trains. Adventures and new places provide my wandering soul scope for imagination and interesting stories. (and I escape into my own thoughts and dream world.)
My daily walks on the canal near my Oxford home, or walks in the parks or meadows with amazing trees and flowering bushes delight me. Taking a romp through the mountain trails near our Colorado home with Darcy dog trotting along beside me brings sheer pleasure.
Having sweet friends who love me and care about me- sometimes means so much. My daughter-in-law has been making me cups of tea and coffee these days. I feel like a queen.
Great books and stories, especially historical fiction or just good fiction, Victoria magazine are so fun.;
Salad with lots of veggies and avocado and walnuts or pecans and always onions;
Grilled turkey burgers with cheese, onions, tomatoes, mayo and very salty ripple potato chips (crisps)
chocolate--especially any chocolate with nuts; (dark chocolate salted almond) and especially Lindt--the dark one with the blue foil wrapper; if it isn't going to be with nuts.
Did I say, a hot bath that covers my whole body--I love baths;
Any focussed time sharing our deep friendship together, with my children.
sitting around my dinner table or in the den talking and laughing every night when the whole family is together.
Getting to play with and be with my sweet grandchildren.
reading encouraging letters or emails from friends; Calling my loved ones for long talks, to keep up, when I have planned it;
Studying the Word and being with my precious Jesus and pondering Him! Reading soul stirring books and captivating novels.
I know I need to surround myself with these things so I can be restored.
Music wafting in the background, candles lit, flowers in vases.
Comfort for me will be something of a rhythm. Scrambled Eggs with cheese, home made, whole grain bread, potato soup, with cheese, sautéed onion, bacon.
French Food and Mexican food
Old fashioned chocolate chip cookies with pecans that Sarah makes ... (The secret to good cookies is to always whip the butter, vanilla, sugar and eggs by themselves for 5-10 minutes on high and then don't bake the cookies too long--they will cook a little more after they are out and on a stone and they will dry out a little, and you don't want them tough!)
Of course there must be pots of strong tea. And good strong coffee. And some great English drama series or mysteries or dramas that we can be romantic or adventuresome with and enjoy the countryside and dream.
