I met with a friend of mine for breakfast this morning.  When I asked “how are you doing?” his answer was “I’m under a lot of stress lately.”  He and I then talked about some unhealthy ways people use to relieve the stress in their lives.

I told him of a technique I use when I need an escape.  I sit in front of a painting I purchased several years ago which shows a man in a boat looking to the background where there are clouds overhead but a shaft of light breaking through.  He is sitting there with his oars out of the water.  I like to sit in front of the painting and imagine that I am that man looking to the light in the midst of confusion with all my controls at rest.  This is a good reminder that I am not really in control and therefore I should and can allow God to move me where He wills.

This thought was affirmed in my reading this morning from Psalm 81, verse 10:  “I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.”