One Thing You Might Need to Do if You're Feeling Stressed
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Photo by Ivars Krutainis on Unsplash
Back in the last week of December, we had a crazy snow/ice/rain storm here in Fairbanks that resulted in a thick sheet of ice forming between layers of snow.
While this buried ice crust has made snowshoeing easier for me (I don't sink down as deeply!), sadly, it has created very challenging and stressful conditions for our moose friends. As a result, we’ve gotten reports from Fish and Game that the moose are extra grumpy and more aggressive than usual right now.
Basically, if they’re on a trail or road (where it’s easier for them to walk) they do not want to yield the path, and they’re willing to fight for it—and we all know who’s going to win that fight. So we’re being warned to give them extra space.
FEELING STRESSED
Sometimes, I feel how the moose seem to feel right now: overwhelmed, irritated, and uptight. When those times come, I find that it’s often a sign that I’m under stress and in need of extra space.
Maybe you can relate to these feelings right now. If so, I encourage you to slow down and give yourself grace. As purposeful women, we have goals and dreams we’re doing our best to steward, and this is good. But God doesn’t want us to get burnt out. He understands the toll tough seasons can take, and like the stressed moose who are drawn to the easier walking paths, it could be that He is inviting you to take it easy for a bit so that you can make it through this current season and thrive in the next.
Consider Jesus’ words found in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (NLT).
Our Shepherd is gentle and compassionate, and we can trust Him to lead us on the paths that will restore our souls and lead us further into His good plans for each of us!
As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I’d love to hear from you! You can contact me here or through the comment section below!
In purpose and faith,
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