Weathering Change (With God)

You know that list of "top life stressors?" In one year's time, I endured 3 of the top 5 on the list. In a span of twelve months, I moved three times, left one job, took on another, faced financial challenges, and witnessed my father's illness and passing.

That particular year remains one of the most difficult AND the most grace-filled periods of my life. Philippians 4 took on a deeper meaning, and I learned a few things about how to weather life's storms with grace.

Are you in the midst of a major life change? If you would like to endure it well, here are a few things I suggest:

1. Cling to Jesus. Seriously. Every time you walk by a Church or pass the Tabernacle, look at Him and say, "You are the only thing that matters." This little prayer puts everything in perspective and puts Christ right back where He should be in your world of worries: first, foremost, and center. Don't miss Mass. Receive Him in the Eucharist. Go to Confession. Receive His healing. Christ is your strength, and He is gentle. Of all the people/things that can beat you up in life, Jesus will not be one of them. I promise.
2. Rest. There's a reason why God gave us a Sabbath day. When we are facing stress, we're too often tempted to work through it all compelled by a torrent of "shoulds." No one can function adequately when exhausted. Take one day (preferably Sunday), and make it holy and filled with leisure. Worship, nap, read, play a board game, or whatever floats your boat.
3. Talk to someone. Lean on your friends. The "I can handle this on my own" mentality is a waste of time. We need the support of the people who care about us. We need their honesty and their humor to keep us going. If you notice the stress is affecting your physical or mental health, don't be a martyr. See a doctor.
4. Put social media in its place. Start your day out right. First thing in the morning, do NOT reach for the iPhone. Instead, say a prayer that goes something like, "You are God and I am not. Help me get through this day." Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. are fun and useful, but they can also be a drain on your mental state. Your world will not collapse if you fast from them for a day.
5. Seek wisdom in the Bible. Check out Matthew 8:23-27, for example. Or sit with the Psalms. The Psalms, in particular, are very relatable. More often than not, the Psalmist was facing a major life issue and poured his heart out to God. Every human experience is captured in this poetic book of the Bible: sadness, joy, frustration, praise, worry, surrender, and relief! The Lord longs to speak to you personally in your state. Just open the book.
6. Practice the Examen. The Examen is a time-tested prayer method that, with practice, allows you to see clearly the way God is moving in your life--even during times of sweeping change. Over time, you will begin to notice patterns of the ways in which Christ has ministered to you in times of trial.