I don't know about you, but I've felt a sense of building anxiety as Election Day approached, in part because of the uncertainty - would there be threats of violence at the polls or in the days following? Would all the votes be counted? How might the outcome of races up and down the ballot affect our community, friends, and loved ones? How long will we have to wait to know the results?
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| Photo by Katie Moum on Unsplash |
In the midst of uncertainty, it can be helpful to seek out practices that ground us and draw our attention back to the things that are within our control.
Pray. Silently, aloud, in a journal, or through song, take time to lay down some of the things that are burdening you. We trust that God hears us and is with us always. Pray for peace, comfort, and reminders of God's presence. Pray for truth, justice, and love to guide us. "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
Practice gratitude. In a time when it's so easy to focus on the negative, it can be powerful to turn our attention to the positive things around us. Make a list of things you're grateful for, reach out to someone with a compliment, or surprise someone with a thoughtful gesture or gift. One exercise on Facebook that brought a smile to my face this week was this post from a friend: "Say something nice about a mutual friend of ours in the comments. Not about me. Not about you. About someone we both know." It was wonderful to be encouraged to think of someone other than myself, and a joy to see the compliments and gratitude roll in for friends I admire and care for.
Stay hydrated. Don't forget to attend to your body by eating and drinking. It's easy to spiral into worry when our bodies and brains don't have what they need for optimal performance.
Go outside. Take time to notice the beauty and wonder of God's creation. Walk. Breathe in the fresh air. It's good to take a break from screens and news reports, and instead pay attention for a moment to the crunch of leaves, chatter of birds, and brilliance of the sunshine.
Remember that you are loved. You belong to God, who has called you beloved in the waters of baptism. "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
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