The great majority of us find that certain aspects of life can become unbearable at some point. We know when that time comes because we tip over the edge psychologically and explode verbally or behave aggressively. Our responses are all very different, but the root is he same: we come to the end of our rope.
Often it can be an unexpected accumulation of stress. The thousands of Australians that have been displaced from their homes in recent days will be under significant stress, but it’s not simply the loss of property and life. For many in crisis it is the ordinary daily duties of feeding children, sleeping, washing, caring for friends or wider family and so on that tip them over the edge. In the midst of crisis ordinary but essential stresses do not go on hold.
Crisis is easy to see and acknowledge. It is also observable by others and support is often provided. Creeping stress is something we have a degree of control over if we are aware of our inner lives. The challenge we face in such times is foreknowledge but that assumes self awareness.
Recently I became angry with one of my children. The anger was justified but the outburst wasn’t. I realised I had allowed myself to become pressured with too many tasks which, when connected with a lack sleep due to the hot weather, meant that I was living on the edge psychologically and spiritually. I had not provided enough recreation, rest and reflection.
I am not alone in this. Far too many of us push through life because we believe it to be productive, yet we fail to comprehend what kind of damage we are potentially doing to ourselves and others. Broken marriages, damaged relationships with family members, dysfunctional workplaces and depression are often symptoms of a failure to acknowledge that we hang our lives over the edge of a psychological and spiritual abyss in the hope that we won’t fall. And we do so for rewards that are of little real value.
We’ve all heard the testimonies of people who have come close to death and then claim that their priorities in life have been changed. And in most cases they are telling the truth. However, I don’t think we need near death experiences to know what really matters. We just need to choose.
The three things that really matter are myself, others and God. In that order. But they are not separable. Self care is essential in order to care for others and my connection with God shapes the way I see myself and understand everyone else.
Spiritual and psychological health require more attention than our productivity. Recreation, and space for reflection and prayer are the basis of the best kind of production in life. It is a production that gives life and does not take it away. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.....do not let you hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”.
Have some fun. Reflect and Pray. Then choose a life that matters.
Digby Wilkinson 2009