The Lawn And The Ladder

I come in contact with people who struggle with the way things are. They worry about job security, the economy, the cost of living. They are concerned about the Middle East, threats of nuclear war... the list goes on and on.

Here's a two-step action plan that may help you get a better handle on everything. Take 3 slow, deep breaths and let's get started:

THE LAWN

   Step One: Get it all out on paper. Like cleaning out your garage or house, pull everything out of your mind and on to paper like pulling everything out onto the lawn. There is something therapeutic about this exercise. Many times, people find the volume of concerns is not nearly as big as they were thinking. But that's not it. Merely listing every concern on paper doesn't complete the loop. You must get perspective.

THE LADDER

  Step Two: After everything is out on your "lawn", climb a ladder and survey the landscape. Look at every concern one by one. Consider any trends or ways similar concerns can be grouped together. Then pray over them. Tell God about your anxiety. Tell Him what your concern "hot spots" are (those concerns that are head & shoulders above the rest.) Ask Him for wisdom. Ask Him for a renewed sense of peace. (Remember the "Big Five": God Will Always Come Through.)

Being anxious (whether it's about one thing or multiple things) saps us of energy we need to devote to the people helping profession to which we were called. Absent anxiety, we are Serving Strong!

photo credit

photo credit

Comments

[HennHouse]

This is great advice... a different way to look at prioritizing things in your life.

Found your blog through FB. I'm looking forward to catching up on past posts.

Karin Shirey Henn

[Scott Couchenour]

Thanks Karin. Welcome aboard!

If you're interested, there is a free subscription to the Serving Strong eNews. It's a short read that comes to the inbox of your choice every Tuesday at 6am EST. It's designed to challenge and encourage you to stay balanced and healthy as you serve God. If interested, here's the link:

http://www.servingstrong.com/jointhecommunity