You Don't Have to Catch Them All

Charlie Brown may be one of the best sources for philosophy in the world! Once, when Charlie Brown was going away for a couple of days, Linus says to him, "I guess I won't be seeing you until Monday, Charlie Brown, so have a happy weekend." To which Charlie Brown replies, "Thank you." Then, after he ponders for a moment, Charlie asks, "Incidentally, what is happiness?" Perhaps you have been asking that question also. Today, as we consider another installment in the “Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff Series,” think about this principle: If someone throws you the ball, you’ don’t have to catch it! Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people, from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me! For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you rejected me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 43:1-5 ESV). Many of our inner struggles come from our desire to “fix” those around us. Through genuine concern and love for others, we assume that when they “throw” one of their problems at us, we need to catch. The truth is, you don’t. Remembering that you don’t have to catch the ball is a very effective way to reduce the stress in your life. This doesn’t mean that you never catch the ball, only that it’s your choice to do so. Neither does it mean that you don’t care about others, or that you’re crass or unhelpful. Developing a more tranquil outlook on life requires that we know our own limits and that we take responsibility for our part in the process. Let’s paint the image more clearly. We are all called on to “juggle” the demands of life. Like the juggler in the circus act, we may be able to do five, six, or a dozen balls at once. However, all of us have a limit. When that limit is exceeded, we don’t merely drop one or two, but all of them fall to the ground. The key is in not accepting more than you are capable of handling. Balls are thrown at us from many different directions each day – at work, from our children, friends, neighbors, salespeople, strangers, even our spouses. If we try to catch them all we will ultimately feel victimized, resentful, or overwhelmed. Even something so simple and common like answering the phone when you’re really too busy to talk is a form of catching the ball. By answering the phone, you are willingly taking part in an interaction that you may not have the time, energy, or mind-set for at that moment. By simply not answering the phone, you are taking responsibility for your own peace of mind. I know the common response is “But, what if it’s an emergency?” Invest in an answering machine. If it’s truly an emergency, you can pick it up. This same principle applies to being insulted or criticized. When someone throws an idea or comment in your direction, you can catch it and feel hurt, or you can let it fall by itself and go on with your day. It does take practice, but focusing on our heavenly Father brings hope and joy into our life. Focus on Him and not others. Go to His altar and praise Him this morning. It takes a conscious effort, but it is well worth it!