What’s in Your Toolbox?
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7)
I don’t have to tell you that life is complicated. How we address life’s challenges makes all the difference. Hardship can leave us feeling out of control and less than capable. Yet, we humans can endure and become stronger through adversity. Our spiritual goal is to develop the skills to face pain, knowing we can overcome and make a difference in the lives of those around us.
“Life is Hard. Here’s How to Cope,” by Robert Roy Britt, tells the story of the blitzkrieg of World War II. “London and other British cities endured months of nightly bombing by Nazi Germany. Some 43,000 civilians died and 139,000 were wounded. Given the horrific circumstances, military and health officials prepared from a flood of psychiatric casualties. No flood ensued.” The pain of war made the British people more resilient. What helped the British people endure and grow is available to each of us.
Britt calls us to “Build your psychological toolbox.” Each of us has our emotional strengths and weaknesses. Learning how we uniquely build the inner strength necessary to face the world with confidence is essential for a meaningful life and a positive difference in the lives of others. Being confident isn’t just about our strength, but confidence gives us the ability to reach out and help others. Reaching out requires inner trust, so when you are questioned or rebuffed, you retain your worth and can continue to care and respond with your unique gifts to share.
Each of us has a different emotional toolbox. I hope that sharing my toolbox; it will help you to name and enhance your toolbox. My toolbox begins and ends with prayer. My prayer life opens when I awake, and I end the day with prayer before falling asleep. My toolbox also includes guided meditation, using an app that takes about twenty minutes daily. Reading is another tool in my mental box. Authors challenge my perception of my world and my place in it. Religious books challenge my faith and intellect, as do novels, biographies, and other non-fiction volumes. Finally, my toolbox includes communal acts of praise and care. The church is where I praise God in worship and share relationships of giving and receiving care locally and worldwide. Working beside others for a great purpose builds confidence and resilience and provides caring relationships that nurture and renews my soul.