What can I do to minimize the stress around me?  If I am asking that question that means I am aware that stress exists in my life.  Acknowledging that I am in the middle of a storm is a very good start.  Once I admit that stress exists I am able to put together a plan to reduce or eliminate that stress.   

1.  Give my worries to God and rely on my faith.

The moment I feel stress negatively affecting my life, I take a moment and give my worries to God.  I pray for assistance in finding a solution to whatever the issue is at the time. 

Daily I am blessed to experience God’s solutions to my everyday life issues.  So far, no issue has been too big or too small.  I do let go of control and I don’t interfere with God’s solution. 

This past weekend had a few stressful moments that put my “give my worries to God” to the test.  I was experiencing some out-of-the-ordinary computer glitches simultaneously with an appliance issue.  None of which was major, but definitely took me off track and at times was a bit stressful. 

When I made my daily call to my parents my dad proceeded to tell me their refrigerator stopped cooling.  My brain was already a bit fried, but I quickly started to figure out how to solve my parent’s refrigerator issue. 

Normally they would simply order a new refrigerator and have it delivered ASAP.  However, COVID-19 and social distancing have made in-home deliveries much more difficult.  At 89 and 86 years old it was looking like my parents would be without refrigeration for numerous days.   

I immediately gave my worries to God and prayed that somehow my parents would have enough refrigeration to keep their necessary food items cool.  It was Saturday night and the plan was to go order the refrigerator early Sunday morning.  I would bring some coolers and ice to hold the necessary food. 

The next morning at 7 AM I received a call from my brother who remembered he had a refrigerator in his shed.  If we could figure out the logistics, our parents could have refrigeration that very day.

I have left out countless issues that had to fall into place for this refrigerator to successfully make it to our parent’s home.  We took one issue at a time and it worked out perfectly. 

My brothers and I worked together like a well-oiled machine.  What started out to be a bit stressful ended up being one of the best days ever. 

I believe this day was the first time in over 20 years that the 5 of us, our immediate family, were together without spouses and children.  It was as though time stopped for a moment to allow me to take a mental picture of our family enjoying time together in the home where we grew up. 

It was at that moment that I realized my prayers were answered far beyond what I could have orchestrated.        

2.  Love and understanding.

After I give my worries to God, I work at changing my perspective and focusing on understanding why stress levels are high.  If the stress involves other people, I try to provide extra love and understanding to those involved.    

When we are at our worst, I find that love and understanding seem to settle stress levels.  Once I have given control to God, I am able to better focus on improving the environment that is contributing to the level of stress.  Sometimes it is because I have created the stress and other times it is created by something others are experiencing. 

During stressful situations extra love for others might include listening, giving someone space or a hug, helping them work out a solution, reminding them to have faith, and/or letting them know you care. 

This past weekend my parents clearly were feeling loved as the family helped them work out a solution for their stressful refrigerator issue. 

3.   Asking for forgiveness.

Having the courage to ask for forgiveness is difficult and at the same time, very stress-relieving.  I apologize regularly to my children.  I want them to learn by example and understand the importance of forgiveness.   

Asking for forgiveness needs to be genuine.  Simply saying the words is not enough.  It needs to be delivered with heart and it needs to be believable.  Your forgiveness may not be accepted, but asking for forgiveness is an important step and will help reduce stress. 

How is it possible for stressful situations to end up being magical moments?  I reduce my level of stress by giving my worries to God, I look for ways to show my love to those around me and I ask for forgiveness when stress takes over and exposes my ugly monster side.  I feel very blessed to be able to give my worries and stress to God.

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