A Freebie on Five Faithful Things

A self-care practice to equip neighbor-love

Today, the November rains have come to Western North Carolina. It’s cold. It’s grey. The grey of the British Isles that seems like it will set in for weeks, so if you can, you should make friends with it.

But I know that is impossible for man. Seasonal depression is real. And for our region, Helene has imbued the rain with further meaning. I can only imagine how triggering and overwhelming it must be to some.

Amidst the overwhelm, I find myself needing anchoring practices. My pinball brain will flash and send shrill alarm bells (unhelpful for one who struggles with tinnitus). The list of needs and tasks partner up with the evil twin residing in my brain and left ear (apparently, tinnitus is a subjective sound - a neurological issue that comes with age...and stress). They love to jump on my head in the middle of the night, keeping me awake with the pillow fight of accusing thoughts that beat around in my brain, stealing my much-needed rest. I need sleep in order to be sane, less irritable with my kids, and present with others—to see them, their stresses and needs, not merely my own.

In these moments of overwhelm, I have to anchor myself in five faithful things. I mentioned this practice before in other places, but at least for myself, it bears repeating: Make a list. Know where you are on the emotional-pain scale. Maybe, like David Wilcox has sung, you need to simply “get some sleep/eat some broccoli/run a mile/take a shower…” Stick to five things. If it comes to 2 or 3pm in the afternoon, and you still have energy/calm (determine the best litmus test for yourself) praise the Lord for carrying you through and yourself for a job well done. Gently add another or remind yourself: It’s easy to overdo it, so be careful. Remember there is still dinner and bedtime—especially vital to retain some energy and calm if you are a parent! Equally, don’t fret if you don’t get to all five. I’ll tell you a little secret: tomorrow’s another day.

P.S. Self care (exercise) and preparing a nutritious meal belong on that list.

Five things

1. Exercise the dog (and myself!).

2. Spend two hours writing and editing.

3. Show up at the school (Thanksgiving meal at lunch; PTO meeting tonight) today with a cheerful posture towards to be an encouraging presence.

4. Pay the bills.

5. Plan a nutritious meal for my family.

I often have to write my list down at night before bed to keep the screaming meanies at bay.

And it clears my mind for prayer.

Lord, I do pray for your mercy on those who, whether by choice or not, are exposed to the elements tonight...tomorrow. The wind wuffles and moans, the clouds hem us in. The rain pours and pours. May you be a calm presence knocking on the door of men's, women's, and children's hearts. And may you shed light on where we can pursue five faithful things today to love our neighbors as ourselves.