Inside: The importance of routines and rhythms, memorable quotes from The Great Divorce, a poignant band concert, fighting the worry battle and some fine-lookin’ nachos.
I played the bass drum in high school marching band. I wasn’t great at it; in fact, I wasn’t even coordinated enough to play with two hands.
What I could do, though, was keep a steady beat.
Steady rhythms are helpful. They keep everything—and everyone—moving forward together.
When the rhythm is disrupted, it can throw everything off. In a high school marching band—and in life.
This hit home last month when I was sick with Covid. The actual illness wasn’t nearly as bad as the emotional roller coaster ride that followed it.
Fortunately, my husband and daughter kept our household running when I was sick. I’m grateful for that.
I’m also thankful for the rhythms and routines that have helped me get back to the business of managing my home and my mental health.
Speaking of routines, I’ve been participating in the monthly Share Four Somethings linkup for a few years now. I’ve gone back and forth about keeping it up.
It wouldn’t disrupt my blogging schedule much if I stopped. But I’ve heard from readers who say they enjoy this type of post because it helps them get to know bloggers on a more personal level.
I’m all for getting to know people better. Plus, these posts are fun to write.
You can let me know what you think about this in the comments. For now, I’m going to continue linking up with Jennifer Goodwin and the rest of the Share Four Somethings bloggers. As always, we start with …
Something Loved
In early March, the U.S. Navy Band kicked off their 2023 tour in Kansas. My sister Ruth is the group’s long-time principal oboist, so it’s always a joy to see them in concert.
This time, it was also bittersweet. When the band came through the Kansas City area in 2018, my dad was in the audience. He was proud of Ruth’s musical career, and he loved hearing her play, especially upbeat marches and other familiar pieces.
Most people probably don’t cry at Navy Band concerts. But I’m guessing it won’t surprise you to know I had to choke back more than a few tears when the band struck up a rousing version of the Washington Post March.
Something Read
I didn’t have any library books handy when I was recovering from Covid, so I pulled The Great Divorce off my shelf. I’m pretty sure it was required reading in college, but I don’t remember any of it.
According to the subtitle, this C.S. Lewis classic describes A Fantastic Bus Ride from Hell to Heaven—A Round Trip for Some but not for Others. Here are a few memorable quotes …
How heaven changes our perspective on suffering:
“This is what mortals misunderstand,” Lewis writes. “They say of some temporal suffering, ‘No future bliss can make up for it,’ not knowing that Heaven, once attained, will work backwards and turn even that agony into a glory.”
How people in Hell choose it:
“There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’ All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice, there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. To those who knock it is opened.”
Now I’m reading Lewis’s Letters to Children, which I first found in a delightful used bookshop in Tontitown, Ark., (see photo at top of post) and later ordered from the library. I’m also rereading The Screwtape Letters.
Nothing gets my creative juices flowing more than reading good writing, and for me, Lewis is the absolute best.
Something Learned
This month, I’m sharing what I didn’t learn. Or, perhaps it would be more accurate to say I haven’t learned it nearly well as I thought.
The lesson? Not worrying about tomorrow.
In early 2020, when the world seemed to be teetering on the brink of disaster, God gently impressed upon my heart the need to address this struggle in a tangible way. (See here and here for more on that story.) I still have miles to go, but I honestly thought I had made a bit of progress with it.
Lately, though, I’ve found that while I’m able to live one day at a time in certain areas of my life, I’m far less OK with it in others. It’s been a mental battle, to put it mildly.
The particulars aren’t as important as the struggle, which I think many of us face.
Waiting for answers isn’t easy. What is easy—at least for me—is getting stuck in the what-if vortex.
The difference, compared with how I was before 2020, is that now I am very aware of what is going on. In a way, this makes it worse because I sometimes feel like a fraud. On the other hand, it’s helpful because I am actively seeking ways to respond.
I’m taking deep breaths. Remembering how God has worked in the past. Trying to cast my cares on Jesus right when they are swarming my mind.
One day at a time.
“I called to the Lord in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.” ~ Psalm 18:6
Something Eaten
Nothing fancy here, folks. We’re talking about nachos this month. On frequent Sunday evenings, Randy spreads out the chips, covers them with cheese and pops them in the microwave.
For Molly, a vast quantity of cheese is enough. For me, the work is only beginning. But, as you might concur after seeing the photo, the result is totally worth it.
• • •
Now it’s your turn. Have you read any memorable books lately? If worrying about tomorrow is a struggle for you, how do you combat it? How do you like your nachos—just cheese or loaded down with colorful extras? Do tell in the comments, or add your own version of Share Four Somethings.
♥ Lois
Steady rhythms are helpful. They keep everything—and everyone—moving forward together. Share on X I’m taking deep breaths. Remembering how God has worked in the past. Trying to cast my cares on Jesus right when they are swarming my mind. One day at a time. Share on XP.S. I’m linking up this week with sharefoursomethings, #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Recharge Wednesday, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.
35 comments
Such a nice photo of you and your sister! I’m sure that concert was bittersweet…but what a wonderful evening of good memories. New memories, too! Glad you are feeling better after being sick….here’s to a healthy spring and summer ahead!!
Thanks, Jennifer. I hope you have a wonderful Easter and spring too!
What a bittersweet moment to be at Ruth’s concert and remembering your dad. I’m glad you were able to go.
Learning to live one day at a time is a lesson I have to relearn every morning. 🙂 Hmm…maybe there’s something in that irony for me.
I’m right there with you, Lisa. It feels like two steps forward, three steps back sometimes, doesn’t it? But I guess that’s how life works. 🙂
Worry enjoys creeping into my life. I’m fighting back by recording blessings for which I’m thankful each evening.
I’ve never read “The Great Divorce” and am adding it to my library list. Thanks, Lois!
That’s such a great way to combat worry, Tammy! My daughter inspired me to read The Great Divorce so it appears the ripples are expanding! 🙂
It’s been a long while since I’ve read CS Lewis.
I may just pick him up again…thx
Share Four Somethings is a delightful little reminding place…
Robin, that’s a great way to describe Share Four Somethings. Good to hear from you!
Glad you’ve recovered from covid and that your household was kept running while you were sick. I’m also still struggling with learning the rhythm of one day at a time with Jesus. That what-if vortex pulls at me pretty hard when I’m feeling low, so it’s a good thing Jesus is stronger! Have a blessed weekend! Visiting from SFS#12
Amen to this, Kym: “It’s a good thing Jesus is stronger!” Thanks for your kind words, and for stopping by this week. 🙂
I love these monthly posts, Lois! 🙂 Sorry you had covid, but so glad you’re recovered and for these joyful “somethings” in March. The Screwtape Letters are excellent. I also really like Lewis’ space trilogy, though it’s not as popular! That book tree is stunning!
Bethany, I’ve never read the Space Trilogy, although I’ve thought about trying it. I wonder if I would like it, but I suppose there’s only one way to find out! The book tree is even better in person! Hugs, friend.
I have not read much of C.S. Lewis, but your quotes from The Great Divorce has me curious! Also, so sad you didn’t have library books, I would have been sending a family member out to get some, LOL! (Although, honestly, I have so many on my shelves that need to be read too!). I wish I could remember what book I read it in, but when I am feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, I have learned to pause and pray, and give God the burden, if only for a little bit. I have read so many nonfiction books and bible Studies that I can’t remember which book, but it is something that helped me.
Cindy, thanks so much for sharing what has helped you deal with anxiety. I am learning to do the same thing, although I definitely need to get better at pausing and praying right when the anxiety is hitting the hardest! Good to hear from you this week. 🙂
Nachos with all the fixings for me! You make me want to fix up a plate.
I’ve just started participating in Share Four Somethings this year, and I enjoy this way of sharing some personal details. Your post is much longer and more eloquent than mine, but even a few words and pictures can say a lot. Thanks for this glimpse into your life!
Good to hear from you, Lory! I tend to be wordy, but you have inspired me to try to shorten things up next time. We’ll see if I can do that! I’m glad you are enjoying Share Four Somethings this year. 🙂
Lois, what a delightful post. I still struggle with worry too. It’s a constant discipline to choose to set my eyes and heart on Jesus rather than on the situations that worry me.
Let’s see for books read this month: Waymaker, by Ann Voskamp, spoke to my heart in places I needed refreshment. The Shape of the Waves (fiction) by Christina Suzann Nelson. I LOVED this story of a single mom who returns home to care for the aunt who raised her. Just loved it. And I just finished, The Words We Lost, (fiction) by Nicole Deese, which releases on April 11. Another poignant story about a woman who finds healing for her grief after her best friend died unexpectedly. I highly recommend all three of these books. 🙂
Jeanne, I’m glad we can encourage each other in our battles with worry. I’ve read Waymaker but not the novels you mentioned. They sound wonderful. I hope you have a good week! 🙂
Having played in a marching band at gala days with other bands and lots of noise all around, I have really appreciated the steady beat of the bass drum to keep our band together. And your sister’s concert sounds wonderful too.
I’m sorry you were ill with COVID – I hope you’re feeling better.
Not worrying about tomorrow is something I’m still learning, and struggling with, too!
I AM feeling better, Lesley … thanks for your kind words. I don’t know if the Navy band ever does international tours, but if they are ever in your part of the world, you should definitely try to see them. It’s comforting to know we are not fighting this worry a battle alone, isn’t it? Hugs, friend.
I want to subscribe under my new email address.
I tear up at Army band concerts because we have a trumpet player who has worked so hard to be there. And CS Lewis always inspires me to write AND to think.
Aw, Michele … I can imagine how proud you are of your trumpet player! And yes, Lewis has a way of making all our wheels turn, doesn’t he? 🙂
Hi Louis, thanks for sharing your four somethings. I enjoyed reading about you. I love “The Great Divorce” – https://fpatheatre.com/production/the-great-divorce/ does wonderful CS Lewis plays especially this one and Screwtapes. Love Nachos although I rarely makeup or eat them. Scripture helps me not worry about tomorrow – Matthew 6:27 and Matthew 6:34 help me so much. Visiting from Let’s Have Coffee.
Deborah, I didn’t know The Great Divorce and Screwtape had been turned into plays … how fun! The scriptures you mentioned are among my go-to verses for anxiety … thanks for sharing. And for stopping by this week!
Lois, I cannot believe how much alike you and your sister look! You both have the sweetest faces! I am so sorry for your covid bout but am glad you came through.
And your nacho photos make me hungry to have a few 🙂 I’m with you – bring them with the extras! Waiting is hard work. I’m finding that when I acknowledge this, (sometimes quietly before the Lord and sometimes out loud for everyone to hear), the Lord in His grace and mercy helps me to wait. Knowing His history in my life reminds me He is faithful in His care of His own.
My daughter played clarinet in the marching band. Those were fun years and memories we still hold dear and laugh over.
Blessings, friend, and stay well!
“Knowing His history in my life reminds me He is faithful in His care of His own.” So true, Joanne. My word for this year (remember) is helping me do this. Thank you for your sweet words about me and my sister. And wouldn’t it be fun to enjoy plates of well-garnished nachos together someday? 🙂 Hugs, friend!
So sorry for your recent illness with COVID, Lois, but thankful you recovered without fuss. At times the Lord steps into our routines and rhythms in a way we don’t always appreciate. Loved the book tree, and I agree CS Lewis is one of the best writers, and I find great inspiration in his work! Thank you for sharing about the navy band, and loved the sweet memory it brings of your dad!
Donna, I know you are speaking from hard-earned experience when you talk about God stepping “into our routines and rhythms in a way we don’t always appreciate.” Thanks for always pointing us in the direction of trusting Him through our fear and anxiety. And also for your kind words about my post. Love and hugs to you this week, friend.
You and your sister look so much alike. What a sweet memory of watching the Navy band with your dad. I can’t play any instrument, unfortunately. But sometimes when I listen to the underlying rhythm in a piece, which is often the same note or set of notes over and over, I don’t think I could even do that. I’d get distracted and soon be playing something different or the wrong tempo. 🙂
I just finished Lewis’ Surprised by Joy. I read The Great Divorce, Screwtape, and Letters to Children for the first time a few years ago. for the first time a few years ago. It amazes me how he can write in philosophical or academic terms that make my head spin, but he can also write clearly to children without talking down to him.
It seems that there are some things we learn spiritually that we “got” fairly soon. Not that we’re never tempted in those areas, but we don’t have as much of a problem with them. Then there are other areas that come up again and again and we seem to have to learn (or remind ourselves of) the same lessons over and over. Worry and anxiety are like that for me, as is basic selfishness. I wish one extended Bible study or counseling session would result in my always handling anxiety or selfishness in the right way. But that doesn’t seem to be the case. I like what you said here: “I’m taking deep breaths. Remembering how God has worked in the past. Trying to cast my cares on Jesus right when they are swarming my mind. One day at a time.” Another thing that helps me is to remember that God has promised His help and grace for whatever He allows. One book that helped me a lot was Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest by Ed Welch. I read it in the weeks leading up to a dreaded surgery. One principle he shared that helped me was to face the worst “what-if” rather than running from it or hoping against hope it wouldn’t happen. Even if “the worst” happens, God’s grace is sufficient. I know that on one level, but have to keep reminding myself. My biggest problem is that even with God’s grace, I still don’t want to deal with the worst “what-ifs.” But He says He’ll be with us not “if” we walk through floods or fires, but “when” (Isaiah 43:2).
(It was fun that a comment came through from you on my blog while I was writing my comment here. 🙂 )
It’s blog commenting in real time, Barbara! It’s interesting how people think my sister and I look alike. I know there’s a family resemblance but I don’t really see it. Although when I see a picture of all four of us girls together, it’s VERY apparent!
C.S. Lewis’s ability to communicate with such diverse audiences is amazing to me too. My dad was very much like that too, which could be one reason I like Lewis so much. 😊
I appreciate your thoughts about anxiety. I’m putting the book you recommended on my list … I’ve heard something similar to that worst-case what-if principle, and it makes a lot of sense. I totally relate to your desire to avoid the worst case. Thankful that God’s grace is sufficient, even when we feel weak and anxious. ❤️
What an amazing book tree, Lois! I’m sad to hear to the struggles with covid, missing your dad at the concert, and overcoming anxiety. Thank you for being so vulnerable! Your sister is beautiful, and I’m sure you enjoyed your time together! I so appreciate C.S. Lewis’s writings! And FYI, audible has some of his writings for free (on education, on Christianity, etc.), if you are a member.
Lisa, I’m not an Audible member but perhaps I should check it out? I loved the book tree too. Thank you for your kind words, friend.
I love that picture with your Dad. What a sweet keepsake. GO NAVY!!!!
And this, right here, friend? ‘I’m taking deep breaths. Remembering how God has worked in the past. Trying to cast my cares on Jesus right when they are swarming my mind.’
I absolutely hear your heart.
xo
I know you do, Linda. ❤️