"Troubles become burdens if they are not shared, whilst joys if not shared are reduced to non-events."

Wendy reflects…

Summer 2003 was an event 'full' and 'eventful' period for our family. Memorable experiences include:-joyous marriage celebrations here, for (daughter) Anna to Jeremy; their service of Blessing in Las Vegas (J's home town); meeting Jeremy's 'extended family' and establishing new relationships; sharing ecumenically our faith traditions and being thankful in recognising a real God within the community of Las Vegas; looking incredulously at the exorbitant hotels of Las Vegas 'Strip' - a noisy bizarre world of 'make-believe' that offers 'all too real' temptation towards gambling; travelling though Death Valley and walking in Yosemite National Park, both stunning areas geographically; driving down the Big Sur coastline from San Francisco to Hearst Castle; feeling dwarfed by the size of the Hoover Dam and humbled by the magnitude of the Grand Canyon... Phew!

Emotional responses already on overdrive!

If that were not enough temperatures (as in U.K.!) were soaring well beyond 100 degrees.

Even greater…….Pheeeeew!!

With heightened awareness of God in my life I returned home, to listen to 'major' events of other people close to me: tragedy, deaths, three marriage breakdowns, an affair, a house burglary and a miscarriage! Emotions were now severely shaken. Tears of pain mingled with those of thanksgiving. All of us can recall such times in our lives.

Then, resuming work, I was asked to 'deliver' a task, by a ridiculous deadline, with, as I discovered, inadequate and inaccurate information! The pressure placed upon me by this final 'event' became the 'last straw'. The load just felt too heavy to bear. Outward signs of stress became apparent! And I'm sure we've all been there?

That evening I poured my heart out to God: gave it all back. The experiences, memories, and demands of course, did not go away, but I sensed a returned tranquillity of inner-being. Renewed ability to face the day ahead. Ideas even sprung to mind that formed a 'workable strategy' for the particular 'pressured work-issue'. Was this, God in action, lightening my personal load?

We shouldn't doubt, for the Bible, God's word, clearly directs us how we can restore our equilibrium. (In plain or fancy words.)

Recognise the issues that are important. (Reflect.)
Know that God loves and cares deeply for each, (Trust.)
Speak to Him, in your own personal way. (Pray.)
Share issues and concerns. (Relate.)
Say thanks for whatever is good in our lives. (Thanksgiving.)
Admit to and say sorry for personal failings. (Confession.)
Ask God to help when and wherever needed. (Be open to receive the Holy Spirit.)
Expect God to reply. (Faith.)
Bear patiently. His time is not ours. (Eternal.)
We are not alone. (Jesus, Intercessor.)
Know that he will respond, to liberate, for his love is active and present. (Redemption.)

Jesus promises "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30.

I witness to you in the hope you experience the same joy of this truth reflected in your life.

May Autumn 2003 be eventful to you. God Bless.

Wendy Gourlay