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Are You Stressed?

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT)

Raise your hand if you are feeling stressed! We are all experiencing a collection of things we have never experienced before. It’s a batch of chaos we certainly are not eager to have on our plate.

Change=Stress

I just recently returned back to school to start my 25th year of teaching. Let me just add, this year is a big one for me and it is going to look quite different than I dreamed it up in my mind to be. Normally I would have a neat desk arrangement, but this year because of the restrictions of social distancing, my desks will be facing the front and six feet apart. At my small group table, where I used to pull 4-5 students, this year will hold 3 students looking at me through plexiglass. Temperatures will have to be checked, desks and laptops will need to be wiped down for every class, students will need to be reminded to wash and sanitize their hands numerous times, virtual teaching will take place, and then I have to remember NOT to hug anyone…

Corona stress

You see, these tasks are going to require a lot of effort, especially the hugging part since I’m a hugger. I don’t want “The Year of the Corona” to cause me stress. I have seen first hand what stress can do to my health, so I’m not going to let it bring me to that place this year.

Confusion

When I get stressed and busy, it always creates confusion. This is something I have prayed about and prayed about. When I feel stressed and I pray, I feel a peace and a “slow down” filled with hope and not worry.

Teachers wear many hats

You see, I love what I do, but just like many jobs, teachers wear multiple hats. Because stressful days creep in, I take my eyes off what it brings to my life and what I bring into others. This causes me to lose sight of the love I have for my job. I love this quote by Confucius, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

The Answer

So now I ask you, “Are you stressed?” If you answered yes because the majority of us are, pull out your bible and read Philippians 4:6, Psalms 55:22, Proverbs 12:25, James 1:12, Matthew 6, 1 Peter 5:7, Galatians 6:2, and Luke 12:22. This year, when I sense stress rising in me, I am going to worship, pray, breathe, slow down, ask for help, share my burdens like Galatians says, and cruise on my purple bike with a basket. When you feel like you just can’t handle the stresses thrown your way, remember, He is able!

Counting My Blessings,

Susan Browder

Additional blog:

Wear and Crown