Calm

“Be always calm, my child. Keep yourself quiet and in restraint, reserve your energies, doing those little things that lie in your way, each one as well as you can, saving your strength, so that when God does call you to do something good and great you will not have wasted your forces and strength with useless strivings, but will be ready to do the work quickly and well – go slowly, my child, and keep ready.”

— Clara Barton, educator, Civil War nurse, founder of the Red Cross

The Storm Before the Calm

Having read about Barton’s life experiences, I’m certain her wisdom was borne from unfair treatment and hardship.

Applying her wise words is difficult for me.

There are times when I wear myself out being upset.

Yes, many events in the world justify feeling upset. Crime and people mistreating or harming others with their actions and words, for example.

Unfortunately, I can also perceive that a situation is worse than it is – or blow it up in my mind so I believe it warrants being infuriated or incensed.

And as much as I dislike this particular trait, there seems to be something in me that periodically searches for wrong – just so I can be angry or upset. It’s as if I wake up on edge in the morning and actively seek something I don’t like. And keep searching and adding to the list of “not happy about this today”.

Before I know it, I’ve wasted precious, limited life energy and time. I have no energy left to help others. Much less complete tasks on the “must do” list.

I definitely feel the negative health impact. And if I’ve “experienced my difficult time” in front of others, I have apologies and amends to make to the witnesses/victims of my tirade.

All of these situations serve to remind me that I need to redouble my efforts to follow the advice in Barton’s words.

Getting Calm

But how do I get calm and stay there? How do I keep my spirit quiet and my wild emotions restrained so I have the energy to do good?

Regardless of the intensity or length of my emotional maelstrom, the answer is always the same.

— Acknowledge what is upsetting me.

— Ask God to help me see what, if anything, I can do to improve the situation.

— Ask God to help me accept what I can’t do about the situation.

— Ask God to help me let go of the upset.

— Ask God what I should do next, and for the power to carry out that action.

— Take the next right action, as well as other steps to nurture myself mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

— Determine other actions or attitudes that waste my energy and time, and ask God to help me do what He wants.

— Strive to remain calm and clear-headed so I can make a positive impact.

Be Always Calm – What helps you stay calm in the face of life's upsets? Share on X

Joni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.

May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.