I’ve noticed that you’ve been stressed lately.
Quite stressed. And I understand. I really do…because the things that are stressing you out are the same types of things that would stress just about anyone out! You know parents hate to see their kids struggle so I have to try to offer a solution – Ha ! Ha! Ok, seriously…I know I can’t solve your problems, nor would you want me to – but I have some thoughts that I wanted to share with you – that help me when I get stressed out.
Just before I started writing you this letter I began to get enormously stressed over a web design issue I’m having on a website. It’s all misaligned on my mobile device and what the program says it should look like – geeze, it’s nowhere close to the picture!!! Oh boy…when I purchased the web design package, don’t you know they advertised great technical assistance. REALLY?! Because now that I am in desperate need – no one is responding for over 18 hours – except to ask me five times what the issue is. Hello?! Can’t these people read the question I’ve asked 5 times over the last day? I might not be the sharpest knife in the drawer but I know stalling when I see it……
When I noticed steam seeping out of my ears like a teakettle about to boil, a thought occurred to me…
In six months will this horrible delay really matter? Doubtful.
Sometimes stress is a tool that we use to rev ourselves up to take on a difficult task. Like the website. Honestly, I know it will get resolved, although I have no idea how. Who likes to “fight” lousy customer service? Certainly not me! So, I revved myself up for the much-needed squawking and then POW! I let them have it by telling them how frustrated I am that they aren’t helping me…blah, blah, blah.
By the way: If you’re wondering…. I had already decided to write you about “Stress” before I got into this stressful situation! Naturally, we all need to learn the same lessons!
As I was reminding the website design company that they state that they “are happy to assist me in any way possible,” I realized that I don’t have to get stressed to deal with this situation. In six months none of it will matter. Why am I allowing myself to get upset over a situation I cannot control? It’s silly!
With that, I put my foot down and decided I’m done worrying about this stupid situation. Instead, I’ll walk it out and kindly, but firmly, insist on their “assistance in any way possible,” thanking them continually. Kind persistence is a better mindset.
I know our situations are completely different, but the mindset is similar. When those thoughts come (I shouldn’t have to deal with this, it’s unfair, they’re ridiculous, how could he/she do such and such, etc.), we don’t have to entertain them and let them poison us. That’s when we stop experiencing the fullness of life and joy that we could otherwise enjoy.
Remember when you were little and you’d scrape your knee? I’d tell you to “Shake it off” (until the one time I scraped my knee playing hockey with you – OUCH! that hurt!!) and keep going. I think that we’d be better off if we simply deal with issues and not become so emotional about them. Seriously…why would I be emotional about lack of customer service? It still has to be dealt with whether I get stressed or not.
So, today I pray that both of us will be able to shake off those things that stress us out. Obviously, we still have to deal with difficult situations, but stress really just makes us miserable and look bad too. And it doesn’t honor that God is working continually all around us. Remember that at any time you can retreat (even for a moment) into the stillness and peace that the Lord offers. He will recharge you.
Can you believe it? I’ve run out of thoughts?! Ha, you know me better than that!!!!
But I do think I’ll reread this letter for me…. 😉
Thanks for listening to my “mothering” again! I appreciate you letting me share my thoughts. I think the world of you!!!
If you’re a blogger and you’d like to linkup your articles please do so below – and be sure to visit other sites!! That makes a party!
Anita Oneda says
Oh, I get the same desperate stressed feeling over technology every single time! Thank you for the reminder that it probably won’t matter six months from now. So why stress about it?!
Char says
Amen!
Michele Morin says
Your words renew my commitment to be a better model of handling stress here in my home. I have a tendency to overreact and have failed in the past to take the long view of things. My prayer is that my sons will be men of faith that exceeds that of their mother!
Char says
I echo that prayer Michele!
Lauren Sparks says
Stress is universal. Good lessons for us all. laurensparks.net
Laurie says
Why are technology issues so stressful? I am with you on that one. Steam was coming out of my ears the other day when I was trying to talk to a real live customer service person from my phone company, and getting menu after menu.
Kind persistence is always a good strategy. It does help to take a walk, blow off steam and ask yourself if it will matter 6 months from now.
Hope your issue was resolved!
Char says
It’s nice to know that others relate Laurie! No the issue is not resolved and I can’t imagine that it will be without a lot more effort. But… I’m developing character right?!
Monica says
Hi Char, I’m often wondering how I can support my son in his stressful life events while still respecting his adulthood. This blog was really helpful. Thank you so much. I must be healing from empty nest (how I hate that expression! LOL) as it hurts less to read about relating to our adult children etc. It is amazing how easy it was to read your blog BEFORE my son moved out. LOL!
Char says
The empty nest syndrome is a real challenge. I hear the hurt. And I’m sorry for that. I understand – I’ve tried to stay ahead of it.
Lisa notes says
I’m so grateful for this truth, Char: “Remember that at any time you can retreat (even for a moment) into the stillness and peace that the Lord offers. He will recharge you.” I need recharging every day. I’m thankful that his mercies are new every morning.
Donna Reidland says
“Retreating into the stillness and peace the Lord offers” is good advice for us all. (Since I just got stressed out wondering when was the last time I checked my site on my phone. LOL)
Denise Renae says
EVERY single time I have a technical issue with my blog, just like you, I can get so frustrated, but in the midst of it, I’m trying to remind myself that this will get fixed and pass soon! In a few weeks or months I won’t be thinking of this problem anymore. So I can completely relate to you Char! Thanks for sharing this.
Patrick Weseman says
So very true. Lately, I have been using the “Frozen Earth” theory and that is in about 15,000 years the earth will be a frozen planet and nothing will really care about the trivial stuff that frustrates me. I just have to go with the flow and live my life.
Very nice letter. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you will have a wonderful week.