Stressed?!?!?!

Sometimes I really can't believe that I am 35 years old.  I really don't feel all that different than I did when I was 25 years old...
                   OK, well let me think about that one for a moment, at 25 years old:

I was at least 10-15 lbs lighter

I had only been married for 2 years 

I had only taught for 4

No kids

Full night of sleep most nights

Exercised everyday

Probably walked 20+ miles a week

Had just started coaching - and still worked out with my athletes

Money wasn't really that tight

We were still learning how to be married to each other

Well, I guess things have changed a bit in the last 10 years, but really when someone asks me my age I am almost surprised when I have to say 35!

If I admit to myself that things have changed, then I realize that I probably have more stress in my life than I want to admit.  What does stress do to the body?  According to WebMD, stress can lead to physical symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and problems sleeping. Research suggests that stress also can bring on or worsen certain symptoms or diseases.  Of course there's also weight gain, skin conditions and the list continues.  

I would say we probably have a little more stress in our lives at this time (and we would just by adding another child to the mix).  I don't really think of myself as stressed, but I am seeing the effects of stress on my body - things are just not working like they used to.  So age and stress are already taking a toll.  

So, what can I do about this?  Well, I have been trying to work out (let me just tell you a little story about what that looks like:

Doing a video at the house the other day.  Madelynn starts to work out with me, gets bored and stops.  She goes to get a notebook and pencil and proceeds to walk around me as I am working out - taking notes.  Then she tells me, "Mom, the next time you lunge you need your knee to go lower. "  Gee, thanks honey.  Then she says, "When the siren comes on you need to go as hard as you can."  Yes, d-e-a-r, thank you.  She shows me the notebook at the end and says, "This is how many you did this time.  Apparently, that is better than the last time."  Honestly, I don't know where she gets this stuff from.)

But, I am trying to workout more.  I am working on getting to bed earlier and we are trying to eat healthier.  We try to take advantage of time alone the best we can.  Sorry, one more caveat:

I truly believe that parents need to take time for themselves.  I know it is difficult and time and money don't always help with this, but it is so important.  So, if you are the parent of a special needs kid I think you need to multiply that importance by about 100!  There is just an extra level of stress there that others don't have and can't understand.  If you are reading this and you have a friend who is a special needs parent (no, you don't all need to call me to help me babysit) but please think about a way you might be able to help give them some time alone.  We are very blessed and so have a great network of people - you guys - who help us.  And I am not shy to ask.  I know it is good for me, my husband, and my kids.  Just one of my opinions.  I am working to teach my friend who has a special needs child how important this is.

Needless to say, I can't take all of the stress out of my life, so now what.  Where do I go to for my strength and stress relief?  

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains - 

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, 

the maker of heaven and earth.

He will not yet your foot slip - 

He who watches over you will not slumber."

Psalm 121:1-3

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens" Psalm 68:19

He doesn't bear my burdens the first time I pray for them and then forgets.  He doesn't have a punch card and if I have already prayed about that burden 10 times then I am at my limit.  NO, he bears them DAILY, he will not forget about them, he will continue to work on them if we continue to trust him.  When I am feeling the stress and burdens that lie ahead of us - the unknowns, possible surgeries, development, health, care....the list goes on - I need to physically turn my eyes to the hills knowing that He's got this.  He created heaven and earth, this is not a problem for him.  And guess what, he can handle me coming to Him and saying, "Lord, I am stressed, please take my burden."  He is probably thinking, "I didn't ask you to hold it on your own in the first place."  In fact He tells us, 

 "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 hear, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light"  Matthew 11:28-29

He walks along side us and takes that stress, but we have to come to him.  So, how has my life changed now that I am 35 years old?

I am a bit heavier

I have a beautiful 4 year old that keeps my on my toes daily and brightens my day

I have an amazing 1 year old who never ceases to amaze me and has changed our family in ways I couldn't have imagined

I miss my dad daily, but know right where he is

I sleep less and exercise less

I hug longer and smile more

I am quicker to turn to the Lord for my concerns, stresses, and praises

I know that MY plan for life and happiness is not the same as God's

and His is much better

I love my husband even more today than I did 10 years ago

and I love the way he loves our little girls

I know life is very short and I must make the most of every moment

I know that tomorrow is a new day and I can start fresh

Here's to all the blessings, stress, tears, laughter, love and excitement in the next 10 years