I missed my self-imposed deadline for this blog because life just got hectic—more hectic than it has been. We went from I-quit-my-job, moved quickly through both-of-us-quit-our-jobs to moving-back-to-Roanoke-to-start-a-new-job. My husband has taken a new position at a previous employer.
I'm told moving is one of the most stressful life events—somewhere under losing a family member and divorce. (For giggles, see the link below to the Stress Test.) Especially if you throw in another stressful life-event: buying a home. And add another: first born starting school for the first time. And another: Starting a new job/company/venture/ministry. Am I forgetting any?
During stressful times I like to pull out some old rules:
Everyone needs five hugs a day.
Give extra grace to everyone around me.
Give extra grace to myself.
Don't go to sleep mad/offended at each other.
Do find a way to have a cup of tea (or relax in a way OTHER than TV) daily.
Accept help when it's offered.
We've moved five times in five years. I don't recommend it, but sometimes it's necessary. It's never fun. (If you Google "photos of moving families" you'll find they are all posed, smiling, and unrealistic.) It's never easy. And usually costs between $20-30K more than you expected. Somewhere. Sigh.
Still though, since I know God is moving us and working on our behalf (mostly by faith, but also because I see His hand moving), then I reach for what is before us and let go of what is behind. This is what keeps the stress at bay. That and prayer. Lots of breathed-in and breathed-out prayer.
(If you think of us, ask for extra #grace for me.)
Grace is put into #practice, whether you like it or not.
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Stress Test: https://www.stress.org/holmes-rahe-stress-inventory
Understanding How It Impacts Health: https://paindoctor.com/top-10-stressful-life-events-holmes-rahe-stress-scale/
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