Earlier today I had a conversation with one of my students. She was having a moment—one of those moments when getting out of bed is difficult and facing the day feels impossible. I’ve been having those days quite a bit lately. In fact, today was one of those days.
I felt it as soon as I forced myself out of bed at 5:09. It hung over me like a heavy weight while I showered. It stuck “in my craw” while I prayed and journaled. It slowed me down as I dressed and packed my bags and offered all the reasons to hide under the covers and try again tomorrow. But, of course, being an adult, I had little choice but to “suck it up” and face the day.
It’s not anything in particular that places us in these “ugh” moments. It’s the accumulation of “life stuff.” Our operating in a pandemic for the last year certainly doesn’t help—the isolation from those we love, the death toll, the uptick in technology use. It’s downright wearying. It’s depressing, and we have to do everything we can to take care of ourselves and avoid slipping into a deep well of despair.
I told my student to get out of bed, open her curtains, let some light in her room, seek counsel, and meditate over scripture. I shared with her on those days when I feel like I just.can’t.do.life, I repeat over and over and over again the only Bible verse I have the energy for—
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. —Philippians 4:13
I can. She can. You can. And we wake up the next morning, realizing, we’ve survived another one of those moments.
About the Image: My Love Notes friend, Arielle W, sent the sunflower above for International Women’s Day 2021. She sent it with IWD wishes and a cheerful spring greeting. What a beautiful way to begin the week!
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I’m sorry–but not surprised, given what’s happening in the world–that it’s been that way for you lately. Sending my thoughts and good wishes.
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Awww…thank you! It’s been hard for everyone.
But spring is here (for us), and more time outdoors will be good for our souls.
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Just before I opened this, I opened an email with a friend’s new poem about just that, and I trust she’d forgive me if I quote the last lines:
And all my worries–
What were they?– give way to the bloods skip
In the vein, robust as the robins hop.
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Perfect!
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Yes we can!.
And His word sustains us in times like this. 💯
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Yes, ma’am!
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Amen!
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I’m praying for you, and I appreciate your honesty and perspective a lot. Sending lots of love your way
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Hugs, Jessi-girl! [Yes, that’s my new nickname for you].
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Amen. 🙂 xoxo
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XOXOX…How are you, Sheila?
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Lovely post. Yes life is tough at times but somehow we find the strength to take one more step then another…
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Yes…one more step…
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