Chaos, the Messenger

“Chaos is always a messenger. Sometimes its message is hugely significant; at other times it is a lesser but still valuable insight,”

according to Caroline Myss the author of Entering the Castle which is a modern-day take on Sister Teresa of Àvila’s The Interior Castle.

You may think that there is absolutely nothing good that can come from the chaos you are living. I have no intention of minimizing the troubles you face.  They are real. They may be very messy, troubling, disastrous, or just aggravating. Maybe you are facing a crisis that demands immediate attention. Perhaps yours is an ongoing saga that seems to have no end.

Here is a guide from a tough old bird that has built and abandoned many a nest and fought off more than her share of predators.

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Find a way to carve out a few minutes of time alone. You may have to plant the kids in front of the TV while you lock yourself in the bathroom.

You will need:  a match and candle, paper and pen, a highlighter, and a Bible.

1. Sit at a table.
2. Light the candle. This is to keep you focused.
3. Read Psalms 25:5 aloud as an opening prayer.
4. On the paper write headings for two columns: “Immediate attention” and “Long term issues.”
5. Write the thoughts as they come to your mind. Don’t think too long.
6. When you have filled the page or completed your list, take a breath and read it aloud to yourself.
7. Highlight the words that stand out to you.
8. Does any theme appear? Are there any reoccurring words?
9. Read Jeremiah 29:11-13 aloud.
10. Turn paper over and number lines 1-5.
11. Next to number 1, write any message that seems to come through in “Immediate Attention” list.
12. Next to number 2, write any second message that appeared.
13. Next to number 3, write what you sense you are to do? What action should you take?
14. Next to number 4, write what you sense you should do with the second message.
15. Next to number 5, write how you will go about taking action.
16. Read James 2:14-17 aloud.

Out of the darkest day on earth, the crucifixion, came the resurrection.

Close your session by reading John 14:25-27 aloud.

I raised three children as a single mother before I remarried. I have experienced the potholes, pests, and perils of being the single head-of-household. As an educator in regular and special education for twenty years I know a great deal about child development and how to handle kids. I am the founder of  SMORE for Women, a nonprofit whose goal is Single Moms, Overjoyed, Rejuvenated, and Empowered. I’m also a Certified Professional Coach and my stories have been published in several Christian books and magazines. My book, Living Learning Loving is available on Amazon.