Today’s title is a spin on the old proverb, “Physician, Heal Thyself,” words Jesus quoted in Luke 4:23. According to Wikipedia, the moral of the proverb is to attend to your own defects before attending to others. And knee-deep in defective thinking is exactly where I found myself for about 12 hours, beginning last night and ending in the last half hour or so.
I’ll not relate the litany of events that led to this sorry state. Late last night I poured out the pitiful tale to one of three people I can call after 11pm. We actually commented that it was very unlike me to be so morose. That may be, but you wouldn’t have known it if you were on the other end of that midnight phone call. So now I conduct personal therapy, putting my thoughts on paper (figuratively speaking).
Why publish the story? In the interest of transparency, I’d say; I know transparency is a buzz word, but I like it. Everyone has their moments; it’s how you address them that matters. Being known among friends and family for speaking positively, applying a positive spin where it can be applied and admonishing others to do the same, it’s only fair to admit to missing the mark from time-to-time. Besides, then I get to say that all those little truisms I toss off to you all were used on myself last night and early this morning when I awoke still in the depths. Oh, yuck; bad enough to end the day in the depths, but start today that way, too? This would not do.
Buck up, baby!! Yes indeed, those were my words to myself before 6 a.m., and while not instant, with the help of determined thinking and the counting of blessings, aided by lively music and reaching out to share a positive story with a family member, I started coming around.
What’s changed? All the things that led up to yesterday are still real – hassles, disappointments, frustrations; they haven’t been miraculously fixed or removed, but my attitude has been adjusted. I still have to deal with the messes, but whining or crying won’t help. As was mentioned in that late-night conversation, what are these challenges compared to a malignant brain tumor; get over yourself, hon 🙂 Just letting you know I try to hold myself to the standards I have for others 🙂
Follow the links; listen to two of my favorite pick-me-ups: He Reigns and Blessed Be Your Name! Sing along, dance around your kitchen. Make it a fabulous day remembering two last things: God’s mercies are new every morning and we will rise up like eagles! BE ENCOURAGED!!