Lean In & Take Time For Yourself

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. 

Psalm 56:8

This past Saturday was the day. I put all the unpacked boxes of documents and photos from twenty years in the center of my living room.

Moving to a new state to be closer to family, yet on my own with two teens had been the end of a long journey. When I moved in, I wasn’t quite up to facing the emotional aspect of these boxes. 

Almost three months later, the boxes continued to glare at me from the corner of my bedroom. 

Little did I know the emotions they would stir up. 

Laura encourages us to not be afraid to take a time out. Click To Tweet

I haven’t gotten much past the documents. Actually, I’m mid-way and had to take time for myself.

I took some deep breaths on the back porch. (Don’t be afraid to take a time for yourself. The world is always rushing you to do something now. It’s ok to process things before moving on.)

I had to allow myself to feel all the feels as they say …. Before I could move on … again. 

It is okay to take a time out.

Recently, I’m learning to lean in to the emotion I’m feeling and not away from it. 

Like, I’m going to feel it to its fullest extent and not try to put it away for another day. Because the next time it comes up, I may not recognize it for what it is. 

Other things get stacked up on top of it, like the tax documents from 2009 I found on top of the police sketch from when I survived a home invasion.

Even when you are alone, Jesus is there beside you.  – Laura Marshall Click To Tweet

Yeah, those things. Feel them. So you can heal … and move on to the rest of your life. 

I found other documents too. Newspaper clippings my mom mailed. And so, twenty years later, I sit out on the porch and read them. To feel the pain. To feel validated in some ways and my eyes opened in others. 

More healing. 

The tears God collected then I often wonder if they are mixed with the tears of yesterday.

Either way.

Each is examined by God. They are acknowledged. Tell a story. They matter and you matter.

What to Know When You Are Alone.

Lean in when emotions flood you, if you can. Allow yourself to walk away to get to a safe place and process. God will help you. He doesn’t forget you or leave you all alone. 

Even when you are alone, Jesus is there beside you. 

I just wanted to remind you of that today. 

The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

Your Turn!

Is there something you do to help you heal through life’s pitfalls, obstacles, or bad memories? Share with us so we can all grow.