Stress and Humor

So I think one way to look at stress, when you CAN look at it objectively without being consumed or overwhelmed by it, is to see that it is kind of like fire is to the sword. It burns, but it makes you stronger. I am one of those who can easily be turned negative under enough stress. I often resort to a "Direct Leadership Style" and become snappy and profane. I can be demanding and down right "Un-Fun." It takes a lot of patience and understanding on my part to control such foolish tendencies, and yes, I am constantly struggling. When I notice that I have become rather negative, and it begins to way on my conscience, I generally try to rethink how I look at things. Yes, sometimes I am negative and I don't care. Sometimes I WANT to be snappy and directing. But I generally can't do it for long without feeling guilty. (Necessary times of life and death situations aside.) I don't like making others feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. I wouldn't want to be treated with any form of contempt or disregard and I don't feel others should be treated that way by me. Especially kids, they can hang on to harsh statements and feelings for a really long time. They seldom understand why someone might act in such a manner. So I try to find humor in the struggles, and I also like to look around for someone who needs help. Also the only kids I treat harshly are my own, because they understand the nature of military discipline and they also know that I "Direct" and don't condemn or belittle. One of my boys told me an old joke. I know, it's rather lame, but I couldn't help but laugh because I was contemplating my negativity and general viewpoint at the time.

A young man, distraught and full of stress goes to see his psychiatrist. He informs the doc about these weird dreams he's been having. "Doc, I'm really confused, one night I had a dream I was a tepee, the the next night I had a dream that I was a wigwam. What am I supposed to make of these dreams doc?" The doc ponders for a fews moments then leans forward and says, "Son, relax, you're just two tents."

The wisdom of kids. I really have to stop over thinking this stuff and trying to figure it all out on my own.

New Church

Well we have finally begun to settle in at our new home. It is just the right size for a family our size. There is enough room for everyone to find a place to go without feeling crowded. There is also plenty of room outside for the kids to run and play without us having to worry if they will be hit by traffic or get caught up in some kind of trouble. We have been attending a new church the first time was on Father's day. It was a pretty good service. Considering that it was Father's day, Pastor Buck talked about fathers and how they are an example to their families, good or bad. He gave examples of how his was a not so good example, and that in spite of circumstances such as that, you can still choose your own way. I connected with that particular sentiment. I too had a bad example, and I have chosen to take it as an example of what not to do. If I were to state where I have recieved the most education, it would be between the Army, and the tremendous grace and patience of my wife. The new church is interesting. They have a program for everyone. They are much more expressive and emotional than I will ever be. The music is good. I have played a couple of times, and they want me to play some more. The worship team is really big, the rehearsals are really professionally executed. I feel like I'm playing professionally, which means I really have to get to work on getting back to a professional level of playing. And I thought I was going to be able to relax and sit in the back, LOL.

Life...

Today I was driving in the car and came to an intersection. There was road construction and a man was directing the rather large amount of traffic that was accumulating. It was taking him some time to get to my side of the intersection when all of a sudden, the car quit running because it had begun to over heat. Naturally, this was right when he was signalling me to make my turn. I could not get the car to start again, and I turned on the hazzards and signalled to the man directing traffic that the car was dead as I waved the cars behind me around. Now at first glance you might think this would be rather frustrating, but the chain of events that happened next are amazing, yet most would probably overlook them.

Most might get angry at this point. Some may get embarrased. Others may look to the Heavens and ask God for some devine intervention and maybe some help. Generally, I would do all of the above and probably in that order. But for some reason I didn't. I still don't really know why.

First, I gave thanks to the lord for making my day interesting and challenging. I just felt that this really wasn't that big of a deal for some reason. I looked up and noticed that a young man was looking in my direction as if to see if I needed help. I nodded to him in the affirmative as I got out. As he got out of his car, I noticed that he had a short hair cut, walked with authority and curled fingers. He was a Soldier. The Modern Army PT shirt was also a dead giveaway. I said hey brother, How are you? He just said let me give you a hand and jumped behind the car. As I was looking around to see where I should try and put this thing, he suggested that I ask the man directing traffic to hold everyone while we push it out of the way. We started pushing at the nod of the director, who also joined in and helped. As We picked up quite a bit of speed, the young man suggested I jump in and try and start it. Wouldn't you know it, the car fired right up, I jumped in and gave a wave and yelled thanks out the window as I drove on down the road. A simple life issue, small and yet profoundly impacting. I wish I would have gotten his name.

The Lord meets you where you're at when you NEED him, not always when you WANT him to. Than GOD for that!