Two days at home.
Focused on working diligently until my task was complete.
Didn’t once put a lick of makeup on.
But did manage to change my clothes and run a comb through my hair.
I imagine my husband and son were a little concerned, as this behavior was completely out of character. But neither one of them voiced it. They knew I was focused on finishing before my deadline.
My shower the day following did more than clean me physically. It refreshed my soul, my attitude, and my outlook on everything.
It’s amazing what a shower can do!
With a renewed sense of purpose and outlook on life, I felt like a new woman.
The task I had been working on was complete. I could now relax. I could now enjoy the fruits of my labor, and the rewards of a job well done. And it felt as if that shower washed away every concern, any remaining stress, the intensity of focused effort, and the anxiety of finishing by the deadline.
I could breathe again.
We all have those times in our lives. Times when we face deadlines, stress, uncertainty. Times of consuming concern and worry. Times we’ve messed up and need to undo what we’ve done. Times of fear, failure, regret and heartache.
Those can be anxiety-filled hours and days. Maybe you’re finding yourself in the middle of one right now. I haven’t found anyone yet who says too much anxiety or stress is a good thing. But we have hope…
The times I’ve intentionally paused and taken my concerns, stresses, needs, etc. to God, I’ve found a similar experience as I did in the shower that morning. All of the junk gets washed off, I am renewed, have a different perspective, and I can breathe again. And I feel like a new woman.
And in a way, I am.
Something happens in that exchange. As I hand each care, each concern, each stress over to God, one by one, in exchange He hands back to me His peace, His grace, and His mercy.
I am different. I have a different outlook. I no longer carry the weight of my concerns. My burdens are lifted and my heart is lighter.
It does my heart good to rest in the truth of 1 Peter 5:7 (Living Bible):
Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.
He is always thinking about you. He is watching everything that concerns you. Doesn’t that just make you want to do cartwheels? (Well, on second thought…) But doesn’t that bless you?!
But the key word here is “let.” In order for him to take our worries and cares, we need to LET him have them.
Won’t you join me today in finding a small amount of time alone with God? Give Him each of your stresses, your concerns, your cares. Watch that exchange happen. I believe you’ll walk out of that “shower experience” clean, refreshed and renewed. A new you.
God bless you as you let Him take care of you today!
Julie
Linking up today with Katie Reid and friends for #inspireandgrow (http://www.echoesofmyheart.com/2/post/2014/04/1.html).
Yes, that word “let”. So simple yet so hard to do!
Absolutely, Kathryn! Maybe I’ll get there some day. Maybe…
“In order for him to take our worries and cares, we need to LET him have them.” Amen! Thank you for this beautiful truth! I’ll think of this with every shower or cartwheel!! 😉
Good for you for the cartwheel, Kaylene! 😉 I haven’t attempted one in years. Thanks for your encouragement and for the smile you brought to my face with your comment today!
This might sound a little weird, but for Christmas one year I asked for a shower seat (like the kind you get for medical purposes). The shower has become my prayer closet. I sit in the shower every morning to get away and pray. My kids know that they can’t bother me when I am in there. After a long day, I am known to take an extra shower just to get away! I get the connection all to well! Blessings from #inspireandgrow link-up.
I love that idea, Jennifer! I’m glad I’m not the only one who has that connection. Thank you for sharing your perspective and for stopping by. I’ll swing over and visit your blog next. Blessings to you today!
It’s amazing how even though our situation doesn’t change, God can change our outlook. I needed this reminder today. Thank you!
I need this most every day, Abby. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
Thank you Julie- great reminder to let His Word, Presence and Sufficiency shower us with a new mindset and fresh hope. I appreciate you!:)
Thanks, Katie. I can’t imagine life without Him, His Word and Sufficiency! I appreciate you too! Have a beautiful day!
Wonderful words Julie, with deep meaning. Amen!!
Thank you, Doris. I’m thankful God keeps teaching us! He is faithful!
Yes, we need that daily shower of God’s Word and His Spirit washing our dirt away and refreshing us, don’t we? (I love you new blog banner!)
Boy, do we ever, Betsy! Can you imagine life without these? A scary thought. Thanks for the compliment on the banner. It was time to update. Are you back in the states by now?