THREE WAYS TO CHILL WHEN YOU'RE STRESSED

If you talked to me a month ago you would have discovered quite quickly that I was stressed.

My mum was in hospital, soon to move to nursing care. We were selling her house. Work involved more projects with fewer staff. This year's pay round left a lot of us frustrated. The house needed attention. My kids were stressed with dissertation deadlines. My dog is 15 and showing signs of decline. I've put on far too much weight. I think I've developed RSI in my mouse arm.

What can I do?

Psalm 131 gives me a three step plan.

1. KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS

Verse 1: My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.

2. STOP AND CHILL

Verse 2: But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.

3. PLACE YOUR TRUST IN GOD

Verse 3:  Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.

Join me while we face this together.

A poem inspired by warm homes

I really value the warmth of the homes that welcomed me in as a teenager. The families that made a conscious effort to open their homes and their families to friends of their children. I learned a lot from them about priorities and the importance of nurturing an instinct for inclusion. I still value invites to share everyday stuff with friends.

This poem is written in acknowledgement of the families who extended their homes to me and my friends. Thank you.

---

Home from Home

Step over the threshold
And through the front hall
Full of shoes and possibilities.
Come to a kitchen table
Where you are able
To shed the cold and to unroll your soul
Against its worn and warm knots, 
Flavoured with cookies and coffee mugs
And echoes of late chats and early plans
And sneak-behind hugs.
Let the love that pools here
Soak into your marrow
Put aside tomorrow
And so launder your heart clean of fear.
Our home is your home,
Come pull up your chair.

---

Here's a challenge for you.

This week, find an opportunity to offer a welcoming inclusion to someone outside your family. It may be an invite to a family meal, a trip to the cinema, or even a trip to IKEA (other furniture stores are also available).

Be a model of inclusion.

Here's an invitation to you.

Come along to Ealing Town Hall at 10am this Sunday morning, where you'll find a welcome from the family at Redeemer.