| ADVERTISEMENT |
SUBSCRIBE
WRITE FOR US
ADVERTISE
PRIVACY
| BI-WEEKLY COLUMNS |
If you are under 35-years-old, you might not understand what I’m about to say. But those 35 and up
will surely say, “Amen.” This morning as I was walking, I dropped something on the ground. I didn’t
think twice as I knelt down to pick it up…but a strange thing happened when I tried to stand.
Without my permission, my knees and legs moved in slow motion. I heard myself grunt as I finally
stood and felt sensation returning to my limbs. I had to chuckle and shake my head as I thought
about how easily that maneuver would have been just 3 to 5 years ago. While I am by no means
old…I am getting older.
For the most part I don’t feel 40, I just feel like me. But there are times, like today, when I realize
that I am just not as strong or energetic as I used to be. The activities, which once came so readily,
now require thought and sometimes preparation.
Our spirits can imitate our body in the same manner. There were times when I was younger that
comments, snap judgments and bad attitudes would roll of my back like water. I could go thirty
verbal rounds over an issue without a blink. Nowadays, I just don’t seem to have the heart or energy
to fight some of the same old fights. I guess you could say that I’m a little slow on the come up.
The good news is that even though our physical bodies have a death sentence, we can experience
daily renewal in our spirits. We can see new mercies that nourish us and give us the strength we need
to live and triumph on our path of destiny. When we are emotionally slow on the come up, it speaks
to a need for rest and sometimes a better strategy. We are meant to rebound from difficulties, so that
we can continue to move forward and keep striving towards our goals.
Our emotions can suffer from wear and tear. If we don't make conscious efforts to replenish
ourselves, we will find it hard to do little everyday things, yet alone deal with crisis. When this
happens, He alone can restore our souls. Our only job is to discover and cooperate with His
restoration process.
To do this, we must remember:
1. What we were made for: Psalm 23 clearly states that we were made to lie down in green pastures.
Some take this “made” to mean He instructs us to lie down. I believe it is more. I believe it means
that we were created and crafted to be at peace and be productive. Furthermore, we are continually
being formed and shaped to experience a better life. Our trials are the fire he uses to diminish our
resistance to his molding. If where you are is not a place of emotional peace, then there is still more
left in your journey.
2. Secondly, we need to cut down on some of the busyness. Sometimes our emotions get frayed
because we are off on our own agendas and crafting our own plans. Meanwhile, where is He? He is
waiting for you to follow Him beside the still waters. Life is to be savored and enjoyed—not broken
down into thousands of one-hour appointments in your date book. Sometimes we are slow on the
come up, because our agendas took us down in the first place.
If we take time to slow down and deal with life as it comes, we will find our strength and perspective
returning.
Live it: Declutter your soul daily. Going forward, spend five minutes at the end of every day and
verbally release the things that threaten to wear you down. For instance, if a difficult coworker gets
on your nerves, don’t push it to the back of your mind. Spend a few minutes in solitude and release it
to the Lord.
Enjoyed this article? Tell the writer by leaving a comment here or sending an email to
coachscott@eewmagazine.com.
ABOUT THE WRITER
Quoted as one of today's leading motivational speakers by Essence magazine, Leadher Coach Scott™
shares life-changing truths with practical wisdom, humor and insight. Currently, also a columnist for
StreamingFaith.com, her workshops and seminars are popular at women's, singles' and youth
conferences. For more info, also visit feliciascott.com or www.upliftgroup.com.
Follow her at www.twitter.com/askcoachfelicia.
will surely say, “Amen.” This morning as I was walking, I dropped something on the ground. I didn’t
think twice as I knelt down to pick it up…but a strange thing happened when I tried to stand.
Without my permission, my knees and legs moved in slow motion. I heard myself grunt as I finally
stood and felt sensation returning to my limbs. I had to chuckle and shake my head as I thought
about how easily that maneuver would have been just 3 to 5 years ago. While I am by no means
old…I am getting older.
For the most part I don’t feel 40, I just feel like me. But there are times, like today, when I realize
that I am just not as strong or energetic as I used to be. The activities, which once came so readily,
now require thought and sometimes preparation.
Our spirits can imitate our body in the same manner. There were times when I was younger that
comments, snap judgments and bad attitudes would roll of my back like water. I could go thirty
verbal rounds over an issue without a blink. Nowadays, I just don’t seem to have the heart or energy
to fight some of the same old fights. I guess you could say that I’m a little slow on the come up.
The good news is that even though our physical bodies have a death sentence, we can experience
daily renewal in our spirits. We can see new mercies that nourish us and give us the strength we need
to live and triumph on our path of destiny. When we are emotionally slow on the come up, it speaks
to a need for rest and sometimes a better strategy. We are meant to rebound from difficulties, so that
we can continue to move forward and keep striving towards our goals.
Our emotions can suffer from wear and tear. If we don't make conscious efforts to replenish
ourselves, we will find it hard to do little everyday things, yet alone deal with crisis. When this
happens, He alone can restore our souls. Our only job is to discover and cooperate with His
restoration process.
To do this, we must remember:
1. What we were made for: Psalm 23 clearly states that we were made to lie down in green pastures.
Some take this “made” to mean He instructs us to lie down. I believe it is more. I believe it means
that we were created and crafted to be at peace and be productive. Furthermore, we are continually
being formed and shaped to experience a better life. Our trials are the fire he uses to diminish our
resistance to his molding. If where you are is not a place of emotional peace, then there is still more
left in your journey.
2. Secondly, we need to cut down on some of the busyness. Sometimes our emotions get frayed
because we are off on our own agendas and crafting our own plans. Meanwhile, where is He? He is
waiting for you to follow Him beside the still waters. Life is to be savored and enjoyed—not broken
down into thousands of one-hour appointments in your date book. Sometimes we are slow on the
come up, because our agendas took us down in the first place.
If we take time to slow down and deal with life as it comes, we will find our strength and perspective
returning.
Live it: Declutter your soul daily. Going forward, spend five minutes at the end of every day and
verbally release the things that threaten to wear you down. For instance, if a difficult coworker gets
on your nerves, don’t push it to the back of your mind. Spend a few minutes in solitude and release it
to the Lord.
Enjoyed this article? Tell the writer by leaving a comment here or sending an email to
coachscott@eewmagazine.com.
ABOUT THE WRITER
Quoted as one of today's leading motivational speakers by Essence magazine, Leadher Coach Scott™
shares life-changing truths with practical wisdom, humor and insight. Currently, also a columnist for
StreamingFaith.com, her workshops and seminars are popular at women's, singles' and youth
conferences. For more info, also visit feliciascott.com or www.upliftgroup.com.
Follow her at www.twitter.com/askcoachfelicia.
| Copyright © 2011-2014 EEW Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. |
EEW Magazine is the premier site for African American Christian news, viewpoints, and information. Visit BUZZ.EEWMagazine.com daily to get informed
and get the latest coverage of black news and black entertainment from a Christian perspective.
and get the latest coverage of black news and black entertainment from a Christian perspective.
FEBRUARY 27-MARCH 12 EEW MAGAZINE