Do you feel caught up in the swirl and whirl of the Corona virus events going on around you? At times I do. I’m writing these thoughts today as a reminder for myself as well as you. Lack of structure, huge change and uneasiness over the future are not pleasant and they’re running rampant. If you’re a thinker like me you like to know what’s going on and have an advance plan.
At times like this tension can become a vibrating sensation IF YOU AND I LET IT. Then it’s time to put into action what I call God’s CCC Plan which is always effective, but we have to remember to use it! CCC stands for staying CALM, CHEERFUL, AND CONSISTENT.
When we choose to be calm, cheerful, and consistent we’re visibly displaying our Christian beliefs. We know God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) The circumstances of the world around us don’t change, but we stay focused on trusting God with every detail of our lives. We don’t fear the future which makes all the difference! We keep operating in a straight line instead of a circular fashion ending up flustered and emotionally unsettled.
The CCC Plan is important to model for our adult children and grandchildren. When we stay calm, cheerful, and act consistently with our beliefs, the atmosphere within our families becomes peaceful.
Is this all just psychobabble? No, the principle is as old as the Bible. Jesus taught the CCC Plan, and He always modeled it. Take the storm on the Sea of Galilee when the frantic apostles awakened Jesus. He could have jumped up and said, “Oh no, what are you going to do now?” Instead Jesus stayed cheerful and calm. He knew He could and would stop the storm, and we need to remember that He can stop our storms too. What a model of calmness, cheerfulness, and consistency we have in Jesus in John 1:14-22! Even in His anger when He cleansed the temple, Jesus showed control and turned the act into a lesson for His disciples. There are many incidents in the Gospels where Jesus shows CCC.
Here are some tips for staying calm, cheerful, and consistent during this troubled time:
1. When you feel flustered, often your natural inclination is to rush ahead in your thoughts and movements. Instead, start to move and speak in slow motion. You regain mastery by being CCC.
2. You can calm or cheer yourself in seconds when you pray. Focusing on Jesus and His love for you can relax you. What you’re doing at the moment takes on a different perspective.
3. Think about something pleasant, relaxing, or rewarding that you’ve done or are going to do — a cup of tea, a note to send a friend, cozy time to read a book. For that book please check out my amazon author page for a devotional, or a mystery or a self-help book. Whatever your mood, I have a title for you. Books are available from Angelus Gift Shop which has curb-side pick-up and mail order service or through Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Judith-Rolfs/e/B001KI0KLU?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_17&qid=1585279171&sr=1-17
4. Picture yourself acting calm, cheerful, and consistent. Acting “as if” truly helps your body focus on becoming what you portray. Act brave, graceful, and determined.
5. Since cooperating with the inevitable is our only choice, let’s do it with CCC like an heir of God. CCC comes from knowing He has ultimate control.
I hope you find these thoughts helpful. At present, I’m enjoying my “shelter-at-home” time in our house in the Wisconsin woods while looking forward to a glorious spring and summer! Below is a picture of Wayne's recent birthday celebration with some of our precious family.
