Today is sad. I woke up sad and it’s possible I could stay sad all day. It’s not depression because it won’t last for days, it’s just a sad day. Sometimes when this happens, I get news that life back home has been hectic, something has happened with the kids or grandkids.
So, immediately I pray for the kids and the grandkids, following Psalm 103:17: But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear/love him, and his righteousness to children’s children, (the Grands!) to those who keep his covenant and remembers to do his commandments .
But, sometimes a bad day is just a bad day. And sometimes sadness is just sadness.
The options are limitless as to what can chase away the sadness. And, when I think, seriously think about what could possibly be stirring things in me, I remember, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 42:5). But even still, remembering God’s great love for me, while my head understands, and my heart remembers, it doesn’t guarantee an immediate lift to my spirits.
What does?
- Looking at photos’ of my family. While it might also make me cry, it makes me happy to see them and to remember what is so important to me, and what God has richly blessed me with.
- Crying. Weeping. Don’t know why but it helps.
- Exercising. Maybe it pumps the sadness through
the veins and out in sweat. (This makes no sense at all but you understand
where I am coming from). - Write. It’s a good way to process my emotions
and feelings. I like to do blogs because I reckon maybe someone else is feeling
the same way at some time and it’ll make a difference. - This is not a good way to deal with any emotion.
But I admit I do it. Eat. Now, I used to eat for every emotion: Happy? Sad? Lonely?
Worried? Anxious? Nothing a little sweet, carb load won’t fix. But, I’m not
doing that anymore. I realized it is very unhealthy and the try to fix the way
it makes you feel way worse than the sadness I tried to dispel, but I do from
to time have a peanut butter and jelly wrap or some chocolate. - Walking. Not for exercise, just for being
outside. In the sun. Or the rain, sadly being in the rain does not melt me. - Time. Weeping may last for the night, but joy
comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5) Of course if you’re trying to get over the
sadness quickly, well this won’t help, but I’ve found, if I let the day or the
hours go by, and engage in one of those things above, then, the heart and the
spirit, will be happier – given time.
And, finally, I remember while it may be a little dramatic, it fits: “You have turned for
me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth (or in my case, sweatpants and baggy t-shirt) and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praises and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.” Psalm 30:11-12
