Subtle Signs of Stress

I'm a pretty calm person (which means I internalize my stress). And the telltale signs of that are I get this pain in my neck when stressed. Yes, it's an actual, not a figurative, pain. Doctors say it's an ulcer on my vocal chords. And it's baaaaack.

Why so stressed? My son just graduated from high school (yea!) so there was a lot to do, but that was pretty easy. Company came in; that was fun, but kind of high-maintenance.  (and we had tornado scares while they were here...an F-3 actually hit a nearby town, causing lots of damage.) So, here's the real stressor, Grant wants to join the Marines and go to Iraq. I'm not dealing real well with that one. I'm praying that God will help me to live life with an open-hand, and I'm trying, but I don't think the problem's in my hands--it's in my neck. Gulp.

Work has been busier than ever. The good thing is our managing editor had a precious baby boy. The tougher thing is filling in for her. She's fabulous so stepping back into a hands-on role (on top of other responsibilities) has piles of unfinished work and unanswered emails accumulating. And I think there's some kind of weird fungus on my keyboard. No time to clean it. Gulp.

We leave for vacation in a couple weeks--in a rented RV to Yellowstone--while gas is climbing over $4 per gallon. And I think it gets like two miles to the gallon. Big gulp. Looking forward to a break, but not sure it's going to be an easy trip. Packing, cooking, cleaning, unpacking. I'm adding to my stress just thinking of all the details.

So I'll just keep swallowing my antacids and trying to take deep breaths--not gulps. Say a prayer for God's peace to flood my life if you read this. That's what I long for.

Comments

[Lisa Burney]

Hi Chris,
Roman 8:26-27 is my anchor and comfort when my life goes over the top especially verse 26 "...the spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words can not express" It helps me to know that He translates "aaaughs" deep breathes AND gulps.
You are in my prayers.

[Larry Shallenberger]

Yikes,

Will pray for Grant, a relaxed neck, and strong winds to push your RV.

[Chris Yount Jones]

Thank you so much, Lisa!

[Chris Yount Jones]

Thanks, Larry! (strong winds from behind...not from the side!)

[Joey Hays]

Two years ago our family had three brothers in Iraq at one time.

My mother was such a soldier herself. She prayed incessantly, as we all did, participated in support the troops events, and place the three yellow ribbons for her sons and one for a guy who is like a son in her yard. You must understand, this is completely out of character for my mother because she is a bit of a recluse and does not show her emotions.

Due to her prayers, and the prayers of others, all three brothers came home safely as did the other young man.

All together my brothers have served seven tours in Iraq and 3 in Pakistan. The fact that they all came home each time is proof that prayer is our saving grace and mercy.

Our family will pray for your future Marine just as we prayed for ours and many others.

[Chris Yount Jones]

Oh my gosh, Joey. This made me cry. Thank you so much. Grant swore in today and signed up for infantry. I am so proud that he is a U.S. Marine. I have to be honest, though--I wasn't happy that he chose infantry. But it's his choice and I need to cling to God and pray like your mother and family did. Thank you for this encouraging post! And thank you for your prayers.

[Larry Shallenberger]

Wow... praying. For this and your other post.

[Christiaan]

Christine, I really appreciate your "glass half-full" approach to your stressors. He he he. I could read between the lines that it's been quite a battle to keep that glass full-ish. I am praying for you.