Finding Your Center

Hello, Beautiful People of South Georgia,

Have you ever felt like you did not know what to do next and found yourself asking questions such as, “Why am I here?  What is my purpose?  How long can I continue to go on not being me or who am I?  Who do I believe?”  And sometimes, when everything seems to be so topsy turvy, you ask yourself, “What do I believe?”  I know I have.

Not long ago I just wanted to get a cup of coffee, and in matter of minutes I found myself standing beside someone who was full of questions like the ones I have mentioned. The person was single and trying to raise two boys.

Although the person appeared very pleasant, I could detect anger and hurt as we talked for a few minutes on the other side of paying for our coffee. It became painfully clear that this person was going in several directions trying to find their center and their purpose.

Where is your center?  How do you maintain balance in your life?  How do you keep a sense of perspective when you are standing in the middle of what feels like a storm?

Here are some suggestions that I have found to be helpful:

• Call time out!  Just stop and exhale.  Find a place for solitude.  You may still hear several voices, but they are more internal than external as you sort things out.

• Talk with a friend!  You are blessed to have someone in your life who you can just talk things over without having to rehearse your words or emotions.
• Exercise – stress has got to go somewhere!  Why not put it under your feet as they hit pavement for a good walk or run.

• Go back to the beginning! During your childhood years, you probably received a picture, an image or an experience that framed your passion.
• Get in touch with what you really like to do that is fun and exciting.  Go back there and you will probably find some wonderful clues to help you get back on track.

• Check your diet! Drink plenty of water and eat foods that help you settle down rather than a lot of foods high in sugar that set you up for a big letdown. Are you getting the proper nutrients in your body that will help your brain do its work?

• See a professional! If you find that your history is an unending saga and you have tried everything and everyone you know with no success, you may want to see a counselor who can help you see different perspectives and possibilities.

• Pray! A life of prayer should be your first action to staying grounded. In the midst of an emotional whirlwind, we can forget the obvious. Talk to God about your problems. God is available 24/ 7 and comes with a miraculous supply of love and patience. Stress goes away, worry goes out the door of your mind, peace fills your heart like fuel flowing into an empty tank, and you know that somehow, some way, everything is going be all right if you just keep faith in the one who can provide for all your needs.

If you find yourself off center and experience difficulty, you may try Dorothy’s method of clicking your heels. If that doesn’t work, I hope you will consider some the suggestions that I listed to help you find your way back to the center.

Well, until next time remember, God’s will for us is good. We must do the rest.

With love,
Your Bishop,
James R. King, Jr.

This is my article in the latest edition of the South Georgia Advocate.  Are you a subscriber?  Click here for more details.