Giant Trout Mauls Author-to-be!
(Yours truly, at Wall Drug, S.D, hollering: “Catch and release!“)
Too many responsibilities ever sink double rows of teeth into your day?
Lately, my chores seem to spawn more work as I sleep. I rise feeling half as alert and twice as behind.
Walk, worship, exercise. Cook. Clean. Connect with others. Submit work, proof galleys, study technology, and research marketing strategies.
How do I hit “reset” today, rather than the panic button?
One can feel swamped yet refuse to drown
Catch and Release is a recreational fishing practice. “Because a fish is too valuable to only catch once,” one angler website declares.*
Well, we’re valuable too. God’s word says so.
The website adds: “Releasing a fish safely with minimal harm is key to helping it survive.”
How might I adapt this concept for a demanding week? Unhook from overwhelm? Catch today’s wide-mouth pressures before they swallow me?
Here’s my plan:
Klein Catch and Release Caper
- Pinpoint underlying message. (e.g. “Dog hair everywhere proves I’m a rotten housekeeper” and “If I screw up these proofs, readers will know I’m a fraud.”)
- Consider: Might I be overreacting, ever-so-slightly?
- Big exhaaaaale. Empty lungs, while thinking “Lord, I trust you.”
- Welcome next inhale as a gift—with thanks.
- Enjoy 2-3 more slow breaths. Savor oxygen percolating through system. Relish ensuing peace.
- Begin next task.
My goal is to practice this all week, between chores—2 minutes max—to catch defeatist thoughts, and release self-imposed stress.
What I’ve found, so far
With each intentional, grateful breath urgency ebbs. Ensuing peace brims, replete with possibility. It makes me want to do the next chore wholeheartedly.
For me, the trust it takes to enter 2 minutes of focused attention ushers in a different kind of knowing.
On the surface it appears that Life has again dropped me in over my head.
Look deeper and questions arise. Is everything on today’s checklist a priority? And what are my motives?
God invites me toward action—but not so I can impress others. Or burnish the divine reputation. Or prove something to myself.
I am invited to work in the loving company of God.
One more angle
I want to absorb God’s peace gratefully. Listen well. Then practice co-creation. I believe there is enough time and strength to accomplish what God asks of me.
A fishing ditty comes to mind.
The important part of fishing ain’t the fish but the fishing,
the important part of loving is love.
The important part of doing most anything you’re doing
is doing it with all of your heart.**
“Nothing can be more useful to a man [or woman] than a determination not to be hurried,” wrote Thoreau.
What makes you feel rushed?
Maybe it’s a looming deadline.
A scary appointment.
Seeing your schedule rudely invaded.
Or fears for your children, a friend, a spouse.
Or maybe you just feel gummed over by the Big Bad Worry Fish.
Might a breather help you regroup?
MAKING IT PERSONAL:
Want to try the Klein Catch-and Release Caper with me this week? Leave me a comment on how it works for you between chores. I’d love to learn from your discoveries.
*Sea Grant, University of Florida website: http://catchandrelease.org/
**IF YOU LIKE FISHING (and have $.99 to burn), enjoy the above song here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fishing-music/id219700252
Release??? Not hardly, Laurie. YOU are a keeper and God is not tossing you back no matter how busy you get. Remember, our Father has called us to enter into His rest and it is as we let our hearts rest in Him that we can then safely enter into the “doing part” for Jesus said that His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Do you guys still have Samoyed dogs? I still remember “Dog Lips.” 🙂
God bless you both and say “HI” to Bill for me.
Michael
Michael, how kindly (and creatively) you remind us we are all “keepers” in God’s eyes. Abiding in rest is my daily goal and continuing challenge. No Samoyeds, at present (thanks for remembering Dog Lips!). We love a mellow, elderly, yellow lab who daily shows me what “rest” looks like. 🙂 Blessings on you!
Perfect reminder as I jump back into life and work after some refreshing time away. I Love your soft voice.
Gail, how marvelous you’ve had that refreshment of getting away! Bet you’ll be all the more vibrant with what you take on next. . .
Laurie-loved your post! Picture made me laugh. What great wisf om is here. I am going to give “catch and release” a try. Thank you!
Linda Jo, thanks for your comments. I’m glad my zany photo-op made you laugh! It’s nice to know others are trying this along with me. I really think it can work, just have to keep remembering to pause . . . When I do, it makes a difference!
What a great week to join the Klein catch and release caper! Thank you for such a clear analogy. I look forward to being intentional concerning that which I hold on to and that which I release. Your words are a great encouragement.
Roberta, thank you for commenting, and for joining the enterprise! I sense your solidarity and rejoice.
I’m still a rookie at this catch and release thing but hope to see it become second nature. Blessings on you!
I loved these lines, Laurie, “God invites me toward action—but not so I can impress others. Or burnish the divine reputation. Or prove something to myself.
I am invited to work in the loving company of God.”
Fast or slow, we all need to work in the loving presence of God.
This was SO GOOD.
Jody, thanks for taking the time to read and comment. The lines you quote feel like personal guidelines—and life lines!—I must keep in sight, especially as I undertake having a more public voice. I appreciate your encouragement!
One way I like to keep myself “off the hook” is by remembering this little ditty;
“God calls us to be fishers of men/women. It’s up to HIM to clean them.”
The Serenity Prayer said it all, too, didn’t it?
Ruth, what a memorable saying! Thanks! And thank you for reading the post!