God's Calm

After a quick trip to celebrate a first birthday party I was reminded once again about stress levels. Not only mine but that of my loved ones.
Not only did we have a leaky tire, we had to buy two new ones. The next day, one of the new ones was flat. Talk about stress considering we had a seven-at least-hour drive ahead of us. It was all so mind boggling for me I couldn't even concentrate. It was also disheartening to find my sister in her kitchen upset because she was running late for the party. I told her not to worry about it, it was only a party and we'd all help her. Then I was whisked back to my kids' parties. We really delude ourselves into thinking we can do it all and it will be perfect.
So, I hushed up, said a quick prayer, and asked what was left to do. Darn, I ended up giving the baby a bath. For a doting aunt, this is SUCH an inconvenience! We had fun splashing and scrubbing and rub-a-dub-dubbing. I was able to help feed her and put on some good smelling lotion too. The pink party tutu was accessed at the party by her Momma.
The party was, of course, a huge success thanks to all my sister's planning and organization. Food was abundant and icing was all over the baby! Great-Grans got to hold and feed and generally spoil our little one year old properly. Pictures were taken and presents were opened. It was a good time all around. And the stress all fell away.
On our ride home-and yes, the tires held up-thank you Jesus-I was reading a new book I'd been wanting to take a look at for a Bible study. I came across a verse or two from scripture that really gave me pause. "Stand firm and see the deliverance I will give you. The battle is Mine, not yours." Wow and double wow. Now, I realize a birthday party is not a battle. Well, not most of the time usually. But stress is. It isn't easy to let things go when you want everything to look nice and go well. It's been a hard lesson for me to learn. And I spend alot of time relearning it. I like to think I am getting there.
What would happen if we just lifted up our "battle plan" for everything we face and said, "There you go Lord. Now show me what to do and what's really important. Guide my decision making process to show Your wisdom. Thanks." We'd feel a calm unknown to us most of the time settle on our hearts. We'd be able to trim the fat and have a workable stragedy. Did I mention the calm? I'm going to again. Why? When it occurs for me there is nothing like it. It is God's. A gift to us when we are flailing. And I am always flailing.
Remember to seek God's calming love whatever battle you find yourself facing. It is the calming peace that passes all understanding.