R and R for Sunday, August 7th, 2011

Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted.
C.S. Lewis

R AND R Tip #61: When in doubt REST

In the quiet of the evening after a long day, it's not unusual to think about and evaluate the events of the day. But thoughts can be disturbing, especially if you faced problems that remain unsolved.

Sometimes these thoughts are not easy to turn off and can threaten to rob you of a peaceful night's sleep. But staying awake and worrying will not change or improve the situation at all.

The most valuable things I’ve learned in times of doubt are these:

Doubt comes and goes. It is not a permanent state of being. Don’t treat it as such.

Don’t make lasting decisions about anything important—a friendship, a career, or a marriage, In times of doubt. you may make decisions about dinner, or what book to read next, or which top to wear with those shorts. But not much else.

Doubt leads us to believe that nothing will ever be the same again. Nothing will be blissful, or shiny or lasting or meaningful. This is a lie. Go rearrange the furniture. Reconsider your position from a new angle.

Doubt might be coming only from one of these things: hunger, thirst, a rotten mood, a bad week, a bad month, a bad year, an illness, a disappointment, a misunderstanding, boredom, fatigue, burnout, allergy season, or a dark night of the soul,

Sleep is good. A good night’s sleep, or a ten-minute bawl, or a pint of chocolate ice cream, or all three together, is good medicine.

Times of doubt are inevitable. For all of us, in so many things. The best response I’ve found is to hang on tight and get a good nights sleep. You've probably heard the old saying ...to sleep on it. A good rest solves many of the problems in life.

Live simply and live deliberately. By choosing not to get caught up in the details of this fast-paced world, you are doing your part to slow down. You will discover that you have more time to enjoy being alive.

I hope that you and your family will do all that you can to make the most of this season’s fleeting pleasures while they last. Let’s remember to give thanks as we enjoy the summertime blessings of sunny skies, warm weather, and cool drinks in the shade.

See you all next week!

Love, Live, Laugh and Be Happy!

ma