Stress With a Side Order of Worry
Posted on: September 18, 2014
- In: Everyday Life | Faith
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Little things seemed to pile up and sit right on my shoulders this week.
My car went in for repairs on Monday, but the part didn’t come till Wednesday and wasn’t installed until today. As I drove home, I was actually happy to be able to go grocery shopping—although I did my best impression of a whirling dervish as I rushed to finish before picking my son up from football practice.
My senior cat threatened to use the unfinished area in the basement as a litter box last night and I frantically scraped the actual box so he’d use that instead.
My son was home sick yesterday. Today, we couldn’t find the form for school photos and the shirt my son wanted to wear wasn’t clean.
And so I wasn’t as patient or polite with the service advisor at the auto shop as I should have been and found myself apologizing today. And when my husband phoned as I picked up groceries, I suspect I was a little abrupt.
With school, work and extracurricular activity routines in full swing, I imagine many of us are feeling stressed out and looking hopefully at the calendar to pinpoint the next long weekend. (Note: it’s just three weeks away.)
But if we wish the days away, we miss out on what’s happening now.
Skittles, appreciating a sun patch
Sometimes we need to push away the stress with a side order of worry and ask God to help us see the small blessings.
For instance, I’m glad the weather is sunny and feels a bit warmer today. I’m glad to have a car to drive and a restocked fridge again. I’m glad my Skittles is still a feisty and happy 13-year-old cat (don’t let his crabby meow fool you). I’m glad my son feels better today—and we can always get a photo retake if necessary. I’m even glad I have dish soap again so I can tackle those hand-wash-only dishes!
I pray that we would take a minute on one of those Calgon-take-me-away days to think about the small blessings in our lives and thank God for sending them.
Molly, happy to have us home
A Catholic Convert in Ottawa 