Choose to Chill

BY JACQUELINE JAKES

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

Generally, things always look better in the morning. That's a good thought to remember, because occasionally we have those days where everything seems to go haywire. The toilet overflows, the dog runs out the gate as you're leaving for work, you lose your wallet or your expensive watch, or the car won't start. Instead of money in the mail, your bank statement shows bounced checks. Past-due bills have gone to collection and it's hours before bedtime and you're wondering what will happen next. It's enough to send you scurrying to hide under the covers. You have to keep things in perspective. It's life. It's mismanagement. It's nuisances. And it's going to get better and it's going to go away. What's important is to keep your head straight in the midst of distractions that vie like circus acts for your attention and attempt to throw you off balance.

Stop. Steady yourself and slowly bring to mind that You are too blessed to be stressed. Remember: God tells us not to be anxious about anything. So chill.

Reacting hysterically to life's challenges will not help you acquire the sense of resolve you need right now. Second by second, life changes.

Just as the bad news came with a phone call, the same phone can ring again with the answers, the miracle, the news that puts a smile on your face and a dance in your feet to make you spin around the room with delight. Relaxing in the face of bad news, a stressful day, or perplexing circumstances is a choice that you can make. Yes, you may have bad moments or a bad day. But you have not lost the power to decide your response.

Choose to chill.

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