How do you spell S-T-R-E-S-S? Well, for starters, how about coping with 8+ months of a pandemic? Sometimes I still feel like I’m in a surreal horror movie–only the one that’s been unfolding is all too real. Oh–and let’s not forget to add in an agonizingly contentious election cycle. Not to mention the violent protests (a.k.a. riots) over the summer months–with likely more of that on the horizon. And then on a more personal level, let’s throw in an unexpected move with only 5 weeks to get the job done. Yes, I’d say those all contribute to a recipe for some major stress!
When I told my daughter-in-law Jen that we had to move, her immediate response? “Oranges, Deb!” That may seem odd, but it’s our own special code for believing that God’s got this. At a writers conference I attended a few years ago, Bill Myers, the keynote speaker said, “We ask God, is it “A” or “B?” And God says, “Oranges!” Something about that statement resonated with me. I have such limited vision I can only see “A” or “B” solutions. Then God throws in something so different and out-of-the-box–something like “oranges!” Even though I often resist change and I don’t like having my world rocked, I love how God surprises us with possibilities we might not have ever considered.
For my birthday, Jen, our son Jeremy, and grandchildren, Lucy and Henry presented me with an original painting–“And God Says Oranges!” They all helped paint it by stamping the canvas with oranges. I love this reminder of God’s faithfulness–even when I can’t clearly see what the “oranges” might be.
God says, “Oranges!”
Stress Reliever: God is in control–when it feels like everything around me is out-of-control. We can find peace and calm when we remember this.
They also gave me a bracelet with the inscription “Too Blessed to Be Stressed.” I wore it during the packing and moving project. When I looked at my wrist, I couldn’t help but smile as I remembered our many blessings. What a great antidote to stress! Yes–I acknowledge life is stressful these days. This isn’t about denying our feelings, but encouraging a different perspective. These difficult circumstances are occurring, but I choose to look at what I can give thanks for. Each day, I write at least three things in my journal that have brought me joy.
Stress Reliever: Develop a grateful mindset.
Even on days when it seems like everything is going wrong, I’m pleasantly surprised to see those “grateful” journal entries. And stress takes a back seat as I focus on God’s goodness and the abundant blessings I have received.
How about you? Is there something going on in your life where you could look for God’s “oranges?” What 3 blessings can you give thanks for today?
