April 2, 2008
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Unseen Stress
I’ve really
been resting and enjoying my company these past few days. Remember all
the work I did? I ran like a crazy woman for more days than I can
remember! But, that’s me. I work hard and then I rest hard. It’s
been my “way” since I was a small child. I still wear-out most grown
ups with my energy and endurance.I remember last year when I was so sick that I could barely sit at the kitchen table to
take a meal before hobbling back to my bed – exhausted from the “walk”
I had made to the kitchen!Hanging my silky scarf valances last week almost set me over the top.
It was a lesson in patience, endurance, and perseverance. My arms
ached as I reached above my head and balanced my feet on a step stool
for, what seemed like, forever. I attached the second valance on Day 2
with determination and actually contemplated no longer using the
slippery valances because they were so hard to work with and it was stressful to make
them look balanced.I walked by our formal living room today and felt a sense of
accomplishment. Not pride that they look perfect (because they don’t);
but, I felt the satisfaction and remembrance of how much work it took to make things look
like they were simply and casually draped over the rods. No one but me knows the
blood, sweat, tears, and agony that went into that “simple” look.How many times do we come across people who are carrying burdens and
are in need of help; and, we don’t notice them? Maybe their lives look
to be a fairy tale story and we never dream they need a friend. Maybe
the shy, quiet person who is hard to get to know is really carrying an
overwhelming burden and needs our encouragement.Looking at my valances this morning, I thought, “Who would know?”
Things look just about perfect. Who would guess, or think about, the work and stress
those silly things caused me?Is there someone at line at the grocery store who needs a genuine smile
from a stranger? I don’t know, but I think I’ll pray and pay more
attention the next time I’m there.
Comments (2)
A suggestion for the next time:
Put a strip of double sided tape on the back of the rod and it will slightly stick and hold it into place!
Don’t know if it would really work but an idea!
Relax well and think of me busily sewing away!
Tina
You have given us good things to think about. We need to consider that people have burdens we do not know about and we need to be kind to those around us.