May 22, 2024

Lessons Learned

Basic Pointers Learned as Children

Last week, Sis. Sheila shared with us ways to improve our mental health. In hearing her presentation, I was quickly reminded of a book written by Rev. Robert Fulgham entitled, All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten. So, I decided to review a few basic pointers we learned early in life:
1.Always wash our hands before eating: “Handwashing helps prevent infections, including sore throats, stomach flu, and food poisoning.” The CDC reminds us that we often touch our eyes, nose, and mouth without giving it a second thought. This way germs attack our bodies causing unnecessary sickness.
In addition to washing our hands, we should be sure to completely dry them because germs are more easily transferred to and from wet hands.
2.Clean up our own mess: There is evidence suggesting that a messy, unorganized environment creates stress and hinders our ability to concentrate. Organization can improve our focus and give us peace of mind by helping us gain more control of our surroundings.
3.Apologize when we hurt someone: Apologizing shows the understanding of the impact our words or actions had on the other person. It conveys empathy for the person’s feeling and helps to repair the damage. The only way this is done is when the apology is heartfelt and intended to begin the healing and reconciliation process. Clinical Psychologist, Lia Miller believes the most effective and genuine apologies do not include excuses, rationalizations, or qualifiers. The apology must show genuine remorse expressing regret, understanding, and the ability to see the other person’s perspective.

4.Live a balanced life- According to Psychology Today, “the rewards of a well-balanced life are many psychologically, emotionally, physically, and socially.” This is easy to say, yet not so easy to achieve. To achieve, we must be “determined, intentional, and patient.”
We can ask ourselves:
Do we have a purpose in life? In other words, is life meaningful and rewarding?
Do we possess attributes like Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control?
Are we healthy, nurtured, rested and relaxed?
Are we staying in the present, not worrying about the past or future?
This way we can start to be more determined, intentional and patient.
5.Take a nap every afternoon:
The Mayo Clinic advises that a good nap can get us out of that afternoon slump, recharge our energy, and leave us more alert and in a better mood. The nap should be less than 60 minutes in early afternoon so as not to interfere with nighttime sleeping. An afternoon nap can “improve our cognitive functioning, reaction times, short-term memory “and once again our mood.
6.Play fair: We should observe the Godly principles of justice, avoid any dishonesty and own our mistakes. This is where integrity comes into play. It’s defined as doing the right thing when no one is watching. Can this be something as simple as respecting others? Each morning, we come on the prayer line and we’re asked to do something that doesn’t cost us a single dime. We’re asked to mute our phones out of respect for the speaker. I know we’ve told ourselves that there’s nothing going on in the background so why press the mute button or press *(star) 6 on our phones. The simple truth is that any movement is picked up on a conference call and may disturb the person elaborating or interceding on our behalf. Of course, God hears the prayers with or without interruptions; however, there are those of us who would also love to hear what is being said. Fair play is being respectful to others as we would like them to be respectful to us. Sounds very much like the Golden Rule, huh? I pray NOT to offend anyone. My hope is to be unified as sisters and brothers in Christ RESPECTFULLY! We can always unmute our phones when we need to affirm a positive point made by the speaker. And even then, is it necessary to talk directly into the mouthpiece? Remember sounds are easily picked up and when we speak into the mouthpiece, we may drown out the main speaker and I don’t believe anyone purposed to do that. I ask that we play fair and do what we know is right to do even when no one is looking.
The last bullet or basic point is this in a nutshell.
7.Whatever we do, let God be our PRIORITY and our Foundation! Jehovah El Shaddai, God almighty is the source of everything we have, everything we want and everything we are! Our Heavenly Father sees, knows and cares. And His Word tells us if we first seek His kingdom, AND His righteousness; all our needs shall be added unto us (Matthew 6:33).

In similar words of my husband: I pray this message meets you and finds you well. If we can take it; we can make it. If we can’t take it; we sure can’t make it!

Leatha Foreman