Borrowed Time

It’s Lovecraft Week. I’m sorry. I’m still digesting everything I experienced over the last couple of weeks. So, I came to the conclusion that Tic was living on borrowed time, and so are we. Most of us, like Tic spend our time running from the inevitable. We are all going to die. The only choice we have is how we spend our borrowed time. Will we choose to heal? Will we choose to love? Will we embrace our birthright, our magic? Will we pass the blame? Will we hurt others? Will we manipulate situations to our advantage? Will we live unapologetically? Will we be our most authentic self? Will we be a hero or a monster? Either way we still are living on borrowed time. The choice is yours….

Vantage Point

noun. a position or place that affords a wide or advantageous perspective; viewpoint: to survey a valley from the vantage point of a high hill.

God sits high but looks low. He’s got the whole world in his hands. God has always had divine perspective on our lives, and maybe that can be attributed to his vantage point. I’m sure if we had his view of creation, we might feel differently about our circumstances too. We might not sweat the small stuff. We might not worry as much. We might not stress as much because we could see the big picture instead of the moment. There is a lot going on in the world, and probably a lot going on in your world as well. Remember, that God still sits high. Remember that trouble don’t last always. Remember, this too shall pass. Remember, that your perspective might change if you choose a different vantage point.

Health

Health is wealth. We've all heard the words. They usually don’t hit home until our health is challenged. We take our bodies for granted. We assume that they will always work. We assume that we can put anything in our tanks and they will run. We run ourselves ragged. We are sleep deprived. We are peace deprived. And yet we wonder why our bodies aren’t working like they used to when we were younger. Thank God for the degree of health you have and do better. Eat better. Sleep better. Feed your body, soul, and mind. How are you treating one of your greatest treasures? Health is wealth. Are you wealthy?

Refresh

Do not discount how much a change of scenery can do for your mental health. I had a quick weekend getaway, and I feel like I can conquer the world. The walls aren’t closing in on me as much. The monotony isn’t too much. The routine is a bit easier to get through. I feel refreshed. What have you done today for your mental health? What would make you feel refreshed? Maybe it’s a walk or a run. Maybe it's spending time in the yard. Take care of yourself. Relax. Relate. Refresh.

Worrier

So, genetics may play a role in how you handle stress. Don’t believe me? Google worrier gene. Or just click this link. It’s really a thing. Now, don’t get me wrong. We are predisposed to a lot of things that don’t have to necessarily manifest in our lives. How do you handle stress? Are you more prone to fight or flight? I've had my moments, but I don't let myself have too many doubts. My faith makes me have a knee jerk reaction to doubt. If I wallow too long, my inner voice is quick to say, “Now, Khia…” Scriptures come to mind. Affirmations come out of my mouth. All the word I’ve buried in heart keeps me from being a worrier. What's in your heart? Are you a warrior or a worrier?

Reprieve

Reprieve- v. to give relief or deliverance to for a time

During the sabbath year or seventh year in Jewish agricultural culture, the land is left to rest. It's called shmita. During  shmita, the land is left to lie fallow and all agricultural activity, including plowing, planting, pruning and harvesting, is forbidden by halakha (Jewish law). I'm reminded of the Ecclesiastical text where God reminds us that there are season for everything. Most of us look forward to the seasons that are most beneficial or comfortable for us. However, it is through difficult seasons that we learn and grow the most. We probably won't admit it now, but 2020 has been a season that has required us to take pause and re-evaluate, re-prioritize, and redirect our focus and our lives. Issues have been raised. Challenges have come. Things have been revealed. We have had to deal. We've had to struggle. We've been uncomfortable. Our faith has been tested, but trouble don't last always. We will get a reprieve. Stay the course.

Fatigue

How do you wake up tired? I never thought that was possible. Now, I know differently. I understand more day by day how much environmental factors can take a toll on me. I have less energy when the sun is not out. I don’t feel like doing anything after a mentally trying day. I miss my friends and it’s affecting me. I miss my outlets and it’s unnerving. We are all affected by what’s happening. We are tired. In fact, many of us are sick and tired because of the daily injustices and headlines. We are struggling in our own subtle and maybe not so subtle ways. We need respite. We need a reprieve. We need a release. Something's gotta give. Take care of yourself people. Be vigilant about your own well-being.