Don't Lose Your Marbles- Develop Your Stress Management Skills Part 2

We’re in the middle of a three-part series on developing stress management skills. 
 Click here to read Part 1

In the game of Marbles, the smoothest balls shoot the best. The more one is used the rougher its surface becomes. This creates friction and drag decreasing the distance and accuracy the marble can be shot. In turn, this diminishes the player’s ability to win the game. A wise competitor is careful not to overuse theirs.

This is also sound advice for playing our life game of Marbles. It’s the wise person who refrains from overusing their energy stores. Today we'll consider two basic ways to conserve yourself and decrease your stress level. By developing this next set of skills you'll be able hold on to your marbles, extending both the quality and length of your game.  

·       Consider the Season: You may be able to do everything, but you can’t do it all at the same time. There are seasons in life when some things need to take precedence while others take a back seat. You may be able to work and have children and volunteer and go to school and write that novel but likely you can’t do them all well at the same time. Going back to school may have to wait until the kids are a little older, or you might need to work part-time for a season.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

·       Don’t Over Commit: You are of no good to anyone if you can’t give your full support. It’s not a sin to say “no” when someone asks you to help with another committee or project, if it’s not something you are called to do. You cannot have all of your shooters out at one time and still be in the game.  

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 

                                                                     Ephesians 5:15-17


God doesn't want you to be stressed out or anxious. His desire for you is to live a life of peace regardless of the circumstance. The more you apply the stress management skills found in the Word, the more at peace you'll be.

Join in next week for the conclusion of this series. Until then, keep practicing your stress management skills and hanging on to your marbles.