Blogging Around: The "When You're Feeling Frazzled" Edition

Because I am. And these made me regain my perspective.

Choosing Patience

But I noticed something else as well, a lesson that was as surprising as it was humbling: patience is a choice. Obviously I've always known that I have free will and am responsible for my own actions, but I had subconsciously harbored this vague notion that sometimes things get so frustrating and chaotic and difficult that you'd have to be a superhero not to lose your temper and at least stomp around the house a little bit. And yet, in these weeks of being in a situation where that is simply not an option, with the grace of God I've been able to do it. It's been painful -- after all, sometimes it feels soooooo good to let the world know just how much it's annoying you -- but, even when my emotions raged within me, God did give me the resources I needed to respond with calmness almost every time frustrating situations arose.

Once again, Jen thinks it through, gets it right, and reminds us of the truth. Go read it. I have also had that realization when I caught myself thinking, "if only this had happened when I wasn't so stressed." Then I would have to laugh because of course it is with practice that we become more patient. It does not drop as the gentle dew from heaven upon us.

Know That I Went Before You

IV. The Carrying of the Cross. O My child, when the world weighs so heavily upon you that you can barely take another step, when you feel on the verge of collapse, when you find very few familiar and loving faces around you, when you feel pursued to the very brink of death… Know that I went before you. My head throbbing, blood and sweat burning My eyes, My garments sticking to My torn flesh, the wood of the Cross digging into My shoulder, and unable to break my falls–thus did I make my way to Calvary. But I remember most My mother’s sorrowful but steadfast gaze, Simon’s strength, Veronica’s compassion, and the women’s tears. If those humble souls reached out to Me, will I not also reach out to you?

Heather shares some of what she has realized when meditating upon the sorrowful mysteries. How perfect then, that I read it last night when I was feeling sorry for poor, pitiful me with the weight of the world on my shoulders. Reality check. Regained sense of perspective. And a prompting to meditate upon the first two sorrowful mysteries upon my morning walk. Thanks Heather for helping a sistah out!