Crazy stress

Our dog, Gracie Lou, went crazy last night.  She’s normal today, but last night she was C-R-A-Z-Y.  Pacing.  Freaking out.  High heart rate. Anxiety.  Panting profusely.  Not normal for sure.  Even the vet was a bit perplexed.  Let’s just say there was no way you could actually sleep in the midst of her craziness.

Gracie Lou’s anxiety attack last night was over the top strange.  I’ve never seen anything like it in a dog.  However, as I reflect on last night (trying to keep my drooping eyes open) it occurred to me that sometimes we humans might have “similar” reactions.  Call it what you want….I’ll call it stress.  Worrying about a deadline.  Stressed out about the finances.  Fearful about the future. Can’t sleep at night worrying. Wondering about the right education for your kids.  We humans can get pretty absorbed in worry, anxiety and stress.

The preoccupation, business and stress of running here and there to accomplish much takes its toll.  It can sabotage our relationships, affect our work and destroy our joy.  Right now, you and I probably have several things that seem to keep churning around in our brain.  We think ad nauseam about them.  Before long, we can pace, freak out and even become anxious just like Gracie Lou.

 

I can worry until the cows come home.  It will do nothing to change the situation. The cows won’t come home either.  However, I can run to God, knowing that He loves me and cares about everything that goes on in my life. The same is true for you as well.  Because of His great love for us, we have good reason to trust him with all the stuff in our hearts- our longings, fears and worries.

What’s the stuff that you are highly anxious about today?  Trust the Lord with the matter at hand. Seek understanding from Him.  He is the God of peace and desires us to come to him with our concerns. Also, be willing to ask others to pray for you. Be willing to share your concern with others. Burdens become lighter as their shared with God and others.

 

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it.Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30

 

“Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday.” Author Unknown

 

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.