We have all heard the phrase Relax, Relate, Release when we are dealing with stressful things in our lives. We sit down and try to "wooo-sah" our way through hard times. The trials, keep coming and we keep humming until our kettle whistles and we boil over from frustration. So what do you do?
I beg to differ from the phrase above. I know, I know it is an age old adage, but sometimes it is time to clean the cobwebs out of our thoughts and look at things from a fresh perspective. I say that although the words are good...they are in the wrong order. I propose that we instead Relate, Release and Relax.
So, what exactly am I talking about?
Relate -
We all want to feel like we are a part of something meaningful and worthwhile. We want to be loved and respected. We want confirmation that what we strive to do, when done for the appropriate reasons, is right and earnest. We want relationships that embody all things love.
The ultimate relationship...the root to all relationships and relating is Christ. He is the true example of love, kindness, selflessness and joy. Once you are in relationship with Christ, watch how your life changes: your mood, your point of view (you have a new positive outlook on life), your situations...they all change for the better. Why? Because you are not alone. You don't have to walk the pathway, go through that trial, celebrate that triumph alone, anymore! God is with you...he will never leave you or forsake you.
Release -
When you are going through trials and struggles you now know you are not alone. You have Christ to depend on to see you through any storm. Worry, doubt, fear, addictions, grief, pain...you can "Give it All to God". Through prayer, and communion and simply talking with Jesus about your problems, the discernment of what to do to resolve your situation will come to light. This revelation comes in many forms...a friend with a comforting word, a sermon heard on T.V., an announcement on the radio, words read in a paper or a magazine. The Lord talks to us in many ways (and yes, sometimes even directly).
Relax -
Once you have Christ as the focus and love in your life, you can relax. You know that God's got it! No worries, no fears...just peace and contentment. Now that would make a happy day!
So, you see...there is no greater love and all this time we've had it wrong...do a little relating, releasing and relaxing.
Be Blessed
~TQ
Prayer
Earth, I am
Heaven, reflect your light in me
Plant joy within
Sow seeds of purpose
in will and way
For I am a vessel awaiting fertility
Let the skies shed tears of mercy
to cleanse this soiled soul
with the purity of your grace
So I may bloom in your presence
Though I am not worthy
Yet, still, you love me
At times, I may be trampled
wind-blown, and heavy laden
The ground may shake with rocket force
and the mountains revolt
against the plains
With your love surrounding
I can cry with the rocks
and sing with the trees
Live my life in testimony
before time turns dirt to dust
and I follow the light in your eyes
For it is earth, I am
consciously waiting for you
©2009 by Turquoise C.A. Hayes
We are living in desperate times. Poverty, illness, natural disasters, wars. Our everyday lives are heavy laden with plagues and problems. We are a vessel, in the ocean of life, barely keeping afloat; nearly drowning, minutes from sinking, in the messes we've created.
We have grown too comfortable with discomfort. Too complacent in our sins.
We fight no battles, win no wars, climb no mountains and claim no victories. We just waddle in our mess. Using others for our gain - mess. Lying, cheating, and fornicating to fill the void in our lives - mess. Cussing and swearing to make our points known - mess. Drinking and substance abusing to ease the pain of our realities - mess. Killing, fighting, and causing disturbances to cover our lies - mess. And it is time to pull the plug.
Remember we are vessels, out in the sea of life. We are almost drowning and when we cry out to the Lord, there is no room left within us to receive His blessings. We are too full of our own mess.
But there is an answer...
Within every vessel there is a plug, a release. It is time that we find our plugs and pull them, so that the mess in our lives, filling up our vessels, can be released into the sea. But pulling the plug is not enough.Now that we are no longer drowning we have let go of our vessel and be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will be our guide, navigator and often our anchor. He is wisdom and our counselor. His guidance and understanding surpass any because He is the third part of the Trinity and He is "God With Us". Until you let go and let God, there is no room and you are merely a stifled and heavy vessel.
Take time in prayer to lay down your burdens. Open your heart and mind. Calmer seas are around the corner and even when a storm brews in your life you can rest assured that the Holy Spirit is your navigator, confidant and counselor. You will never be forgotten or forsaken and He will always lead you to peaceful shores.
TGBTG! (To God Be The Glory) ~TQ
©2011 by Turquoise C.A. Hayes
