Take Strength in Those That Need You

I was feeling a little overwhelmed few days ago. . . just seemed that my to-do list was insurmountable and then I started worrying about how I would ever get it done with a demanding toddler; that turned into a mini pity party and in a matter of minutes I was a bit dysfunctional. Ever do that to yourself? (Unfortunately I get to raise my hand on that one for multiple occasions.) Then, amidst my worry, I remembered some of the very low and devastating times in my life when I often felt consumed by all the terrible, uncontrollable things happening to me. During that time, a friend mentioned that a she liked the soundtrack CD from Tarzan (thank you Kristine Anderson—if you ever stumble across my blog :). I don't normally buy that kind of music, but for some reason I bought it. . . and a song on there literally saved my life. One song has the line: "Take strength in those that need you." We listened to that CD a lot in those days and those words stuck. I couldn't do anything to stop the terrible things happening, but I could take care of my children and take strength in their need of me. Years later it sounds so simple and common sense, but in those emotionally consuming times, simple care for my family was more than I could do. . . .a few dirty dishes, having to cook a meal, a pile of laundry or fighting kids was literally a huge mountain for me. It was through those words that I discovered that giving of myself strengthened me--and without those words I might not have seen it that way. It was my theme song for many years. That memory was a little gift to me that day. . . I was able to put my overwhelming tasks into perspective. All that really mattered was taking care of my family and the rest would somehow be okay. And of course it was! So what about you? What do you do to cope when you are feeling overwhelmed?