January lends itself to soul slumps, it seems. The inevitable overwhelm of things that need
to happen, and the underwhelm of motivation to make a move, or to prioritize,
all while wondering if any of it really matters. We are funny creatures with our highs and
lows, our beauty and brutality, our needed-ness and our neediness.
I remember someone profoundly saying in these situations, “Just do the next thing.” And as obvious as that seems, it’s actually helpful as the fleeting flurry of festivities screeches into the jolting juncture of January. (We just celebrated three of our kids’ weddings in the last 6 months, plus the holidays. Now that’s a jolting juncture!)
So, my “Do the next thing(s)” today were
- laundry, and being thankful for washer and drying rack.
- answering a few important emails, and being thankful I can contribute to someone’s life in a positive way.
- taking some alone moments to think, pray and acknowledge my soul slump and receive grace, wisdom and energy from above.
“…strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks…” Col. 1:11
And I slowly begin to straighten, my gaze turning upward.
Let yourself be where you are. Then you can move from there. Instead of begrudging the excess belly (or whatever your excess was), be glad you celebrated well and enjoyed it. There’s a time for feasting! And a time for getting back to enjoying temperance.