You Can Do It!
Were you one of those children who had their mom tuck a note into their lunchbox? Or have a dad draw on a sticky note in your planner each day? Things like “good luck on your test” or “you’ll nail it with your presentation”. Not every child has these experiences for a number of reasons, but it is a familiar enough idea. (And a few retailers made it easy for the less artistic by selling little cards with these loving and positive notes pre-printed with thematic and cute illustrations.) Sometimes we all need a little encouragement.
So, what are the things you are saying to yourself right now about the struggles and challenges in your life? Are you leaning heavily on God… but also isolating yourself from community? Are you getting it done by draining yourself entirely? Are you making it through this crisis (and hoping you don’t end up with two or three or four crises all at the same moment?)
Stop for a moment with me.
Life is busy. And full of distractions and responsibilities. That almost feels like a dirty word, but responsibilities is the right word. Children, elderly parents, pets, and chores require our immediate attention sometimes. There’s no “I’ll get to it later” with a hungry toddler.
And, well, Christ has a bit to say about this. That it is the better portion to spend time with Christ than to rush around in the busyness. And in theory that’s all well and good, but in practice it is significantly harder. I will be the first to admit that taking time to be holy is not always my highest priority even though it should be most of the time.
With the recognition that there are some generational differences in the conversation surrounding mental health , it seems that quite often people who do get lost in the moment need to spend time in nature, soak up some sun, reconnect with themselves and nature. For many people that will benefit their mental health and their souls will be restored by these activities. In the classic literature example of The Secret Garden both Mary and Colin find themselves healing from past trauma and beginning to grow and thrive because they get out into the garden (surprise- it’s a secret one) and learn from each other.
But that’s not always the case. Some people need a therapist to help them heal. Others need medication to help keep their mental health in balance. Some need to lean on others who know some of their journey while others find the greatest comfort in unburdening to a stranger. Some people have a point where they need help and others need it all life long. But keeping your mind healthy is an important part of taking care of you. Because you matter. You are enough. You are loved.
For the past several years I know that I have shied away from convicting sermons in favor of hope. That too many people were dealing with the changes that came with the pandemic (and some of the injustices that were hidden before and exposed) and what became compounding grief. Lots of loss in the last few years. And although some have bounced back from this season of their life, some are still living in it.
As always, I swear there’s a point in here and for me this week it’s this: what message do you need to hear? What message would you like to share with someone else? What hope do you want to spread to the world?
As a resource, I for one greatly appreciate the art and work of Kate Allan who creates cute little critters with positive messages under the name The Latest Kate. She also has an Instagram. I hope that you will either write or send your own words of encouragement. Maybe as a printout for yourself. Maybe as a send to a friend. Maybe as part of a card or note. Any act of love that supports and encourages people seems like an awfully Christ-like thing to do.
