“Never cut a tree down in the wintertime” — Robert H. Schuller
The quote above has come to mind frequently as of late. A part of me encourages my spirit daily to stay hopeful and optimistic. To remain steadfast. Another part of me wants to throw in the towel. Or, more accurately, use the towel as a blanket and nap for days.
When your soul is tired, sleep is as restless as your mind.
In my restlessness, I think. In truth, I overthink. I think about the amount of peace I have traded to maintain other things. A relationship. An expectation. A desire.
I also think about what brings me peace: meditating on God’s Word, singing (even if I get half the lines wrong), dancing in the kitchen to the best of Van Morrison, sipping tea with a good book upon my lap, writing, noticing wild, yellow flowers and golden haystacks, tracing the smooth lines of a beautiful sculpture with my fingertips, listening to a dove coo, to name a few.
I am keenly aware of what I value and what keeps me balanced. Yet, I know that, at times, I have allowed thieves into my mind — even held the door open for them.
Parasites breed in dirty water. Similarly, infected thoughts seep into the mind if we remain stagnant in pessimism.
In a restless-negative state, we may consider cutting down the tree in the wintertime. We are tempted to make decisions based on our mood, create worst-case scenarios, and react hastily and harshly, forgetting that spring will come again.
Our thoughts will eventually be expressed through our voice and actions, just as our inner love for God manifests in outward obedience. Maintaining discipline is crucial because negativity tends to spread more easily than positivity.
It is impossible to remain stagnant in worry and negativity while actively trusting God.
In this trusting, we learn the importance of clarity and boundaries – of knowing what to let go of and Who to hold on to.
We learn to give up what does not matter to gain all that does.
What truly matters to you?
What thieves are you allowing to invade your peace?
What will you do today to protect your peace and live from a position of God’s presence and power?
This column was initially published by CherryRoad Media. ©Tiffany Kaye Chartier.