But First...

   One drop of rain does not a storm make.

   Many times I have over-exaggerated problems. But I have done well learning to be more reasonable.

   Having a negative outlook in life is quite the bummer. It goes along with the “awfulness” of labeling minor irritations as bigger problems. Anxiety can escalate.

   I remember once getting home from work, leaving the car windows open. Once inside my house I noticed a trail of ants in the kitchen. Ugh! Oh, no! And the cats had knocked over knick-knacks. A sudden burst of rain stormed down outside. Quick! Get rid of the ants! No! Run out to the car and close windows. No! I’ll get drenched! Pick up knick-knacks. But the ants! The rain!

   Silly me. I realized how stupid it all was making a big deal out of nothing. First things first. Sure I’ll get drenched in the rain, so what. Go close the car windows. Then get rid of the ants, Clean up stuff afterwards. Simple.

   Of course many problems in life are much worse and not always easy to fix. But the 12-step recovery idea of “First Things First” can help. Prioritize your needs, your family’s needs: what is most important and requires immediate attention? Worrying won’t fix anything and only leaves you feeling more helpless. (Matt 6:25-34)

   Does God give us more than we can handle? Often we do that to ourselves, like when we let others’ aggravating ways take up space in our minds. God allows us to see how much we cannot handle. When we feel overburdened, the Lord gives us a way out by relying on Him. (I Cor 10:13) He is our strength.

   One drop of rain does not a storm make. Clean up the mess and move on.      Theresa M