Lenten Reflection 3.15.12

I am married to a teacher. He teaches 7th grade science in a public middle school. Most days he arrives home, announces, “Honey, I’m home,” and proceeds to the bedroom to take a nap. He is exhausted. Later on in the evening, I usually ask, “How were the kids today?” The answer is multiple choice: a) “They drive me crazy.” b) “I can’t control my ___ period class.” (The period changes year to year, but every year there is that one.) c) On really lousy days, “Maybe I’m just a bad teacher.” It’s pretty much always one of the above.

To come home from work stressed and exhausted is not unique to teachers. I hear of others, in many fields, who also come home from work under a cloud of some kind. And then there are those who don’t come home from work stressed because they don’t have a job. Another stress. And there are plenty of things that cause tension and stress that are not even work-related like health issues, care giving, and family issues. Stress seems to be a chronic condition in our society.

In Psalm 19, the writer tells us that the law of God “revives the soul.” And that the precepts of God “gladden the heart.” Now, if the writer is trying to appeal to people with these phrases, what can we assume? We must presume that the intended readers/pray-ers need the soul revived and need the heart gladdened. They must be under duress or stress. They must be flagging and tired. They must be despondent and downhearted. Otherwise, why would the writer offer these phrases that promise refreshment and renewal, joy and revitalization? The intent is to offer spiritual uplift to those who need it. And the original audience evidently needed it, even way back when in the ancient world.

So we see that life stress is not something new. Nor is the antidote. Then, as now, the way to lift the spirits is through following God’s guidance and God’s teachings. Treat others as you want to be treated. Help others as you are able. Count your blessings. Be decent, fair and honest with everyone. That’s a start. And it will revive the soul and bring joy to the heart.

My husband was having a deep theological conversation with someone about ultimate purpose in life. Why you do what you do? It needs to be part of God’s plan otherwise you will feel like a waste. But what does that mean, to be part of God’s plan? They were hashing this over, trying to figure out if they were fulfilling their ultimate purpose. Later Jeff told me about the conversation. I tend to be more down to earth and practical. I told him, “If you get up in the morning and do something to help somebody else, or to make this world a better place for someone in some way, then I think you’re fulfilling your purpose.”

“I like that!” he said with delight. I hope he remembers it. Each and every day when he shows up at school, he is doing something to help those young people make something of themselves. He is trying to make the world a better place. Now that’s a purpose. And that sense of purpose frees us from the despair of futility. When we live by God’s design and see our lives in that context, it revives the soul and gladdens the heart.

Stress is nothing new. Life has always presented challenges. And God’s teachings are still trustworthy and true. They will revive the soul and gladden the heart, if we let them.

Prayer
There are so many things that trouble us and worry us and stress our souls. These challenges unite us with all those who have gone before us, even back to ancient biblical times. This is part of the human journey through life. May we be grateful that we are part of a faith tradition that promises relief and revival when we put our trust in God’s way and make ourselves of service to others. We have been given Jesus as our guide. We are truly blessed! Amen.