This semester I've been thrown / threw myself into a sea of stress. Between planning a wedding from Ohio, trying to test out of a class that I've put off for the last 3 and a half years, preparing for my senior seminar, working 16 hours a week, and realizing that my supposedly easy courses this semester are going to be a lot more work than I anticipated....well I'm a little on edge.
And what's more annoying is that I seem to purposely make it worse by procrastinating what I do have to do.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/somatic-psychology/201101/addicted-success
This article from psychology today explains how some people can actually become addicted to the adrenaline rush that is associated with the stress of trying to achieve high goals.
I'm not a particularly organized person. But check out my calendar. I like to carefully plan every minute of my days so I don't waste even a second. I don't allow myself down-time usually.
So I'm thinking biblical application here -- what does God say about finding rest and having peace?
Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
(Psalm 127:1- 2 ESV)
My stress...my "anxious toil" is in vain. It is worthless. My goal today is to take a few minutes when I'm feeling stressed and look at my work from God's perspective. What is its eternal value? How can I find joy and rest in working in such a way that I am in the center of God's will?
I enjoyed reading this post, as I can relate to having lots of university work as well as 16 hours 'paid' work. I found your reflection on the matter to be quite optimistic, even though it comes from a place of stress.
ReplyDeleteI didn't stumble upon your blog by accident, I read it as I think that you might also be interested in continuing a discussion on my blog.
You may not be aware yet, but there is a new phenomenon sweeping parts of the web. It is very ambiguous and mysterious, but the messages that have been transmitted are very interesting and it is creating lots of excitement on the web and in certain circles of society.
It's ambiguity is where my blog comes in. It is a space where the questions and theories of this phenomenon can be discussed and scrutinised, and where those excited by this new viral campaign can try and solve the mystery of what it is, and whether it is really as relevant and interesting as it promises to be. It is still not known whether it is a political party, a philosophical idea or even a movie campaign!
Anyway I think that you would enjoy participating in the early discussions of this phenomenon, as I have enjoyed reading about how life can be a lot to take in at times, but we should just see our 'toil' from a different perspective every once in a while. For me- my blog has offered this new perspective.
Many thanks, and keep up the good blogging:)
I know exactly how you feel. I also started an additional job an taken on additional courses for college as well. What works for me, is to take it one step at a time. Good luck with the wedding planning. It can be a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting married! It's a stressful but amazing season of life. Thank you for sharing your heart for the Lord. You are a blessing!
ReplyDeleteI'm having a giveaway over at my blog if you are interested stop by and enter to win!
http://the-life-of-faith.blogspot.com/2012/02/its-love-sale-and-giveaway.html
I feel like this was aimed right at me. I'm not necessarily quite as organized as you are, but I definitely put stuff off until literally the last minute. I just seem to work better that way.
ReplyDelete