Beginning of a new year. Beginning of a new administration in the White House. Seems that this year is more unsettling, more uncertain than most.
Unless you’re a kid that hated being noticed in public. Then you’ve felt that way all your life.
When you were 10 you moved to the top of the dugout, then halfway to the on-deck circle before it was your turn, just so you wouldn’t be late to go bat in case the guy ahead of you made it safely to base on the first pitch. Uncertain about when it was your turn.
When you were 13 you ignored the announcement to report to the auditorium in hopes that feigned “mishearing” would let you avoid taking a seat on the stage in front of everyone in the school gathering to see new members of the National Honor Society. Unsettled at the thought of others looking at you.
Wanting to know exactly what will happen next can be a tough burden if you’re shy, afraid of change, and lacking confidence to handle the unforeseen. It can be very stressful – even debilitating.
The Global Organization for Stress (yes, Marguerite, there really is such an organization) reports that stress is up this month for most adults and has been increasing all year for many. Apparently they have been watching the news and worried about more than their turn at bat or what their peers think.
Apparently they are trying to take care of everything themselves in the grand tradition of self reliance. Apparently they are looking for someone to make them safe and assure a happy future. Apparently they are part of a culture that doesn’t understand – or even accept – the relation of soul to body. Apparently they don’t remember on Monday what they prayed on Sunday.
How appropriate my day began with a prayer by Lloyd John Ogilvie and the very simple and clear promise from Isaiah 26:3.
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
His devotional* closed with comfort from John 14:27.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
My soul and body are settled and certain.
The Paceline 
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