Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Hangover?
He gingerly props himself up and drapes his feet over the edge of the bed. His ears are ringing, his head is throbbing, and his stomach is churning. He can’t remember where he went, what he did or what libation he drank that is now repaying him with such fury, but he knows it must have been some powerful stuff. Now the piper must be paid.
For some readers this may be a familiar feeling; whether recently or long ago, a night of excessive drinking resulted in a generous dose of pain and suffering. What is do be done in such a case? The night before has come and gone; nothing can be changed about yesterday. The prevailing challenge is to somehow rediscover sobriety and comfort.
How does one nurse a hangover? The suggestions are numerous and include: coffee, hot water bottles, induced vomiting, liquid concoctions, sleep, exercise, etc. Of course the only sure cure to this condition is moderation or abstinence. But, alas, the damage has already been done. Hopefully, with some care, this suffering soul can get back on his feet and embrace a new day. Better yet, maybe he will be wiser for the experience.
Perhaps you, a friend or a family member has experienced another kind of hangover – a emotional or spiritual hangover. At the beginning of a new year many of us are feeling the ill effects of last year’s decisions and behaviors. Our heart may be aching because of a painful relationship. Our emotions may be overwhelmed because of misunderstandings, poor choices or simply the hard knocks that come with life. Our nerves may be taut and our mind confused, for reasons we cannot explain and because of situations over which we have no control. How does one nurse that kind of hangover? How does one get up, dust off their situation and embrace yet another calendar year?
It can be done. It has been done. Here are four simple nursing tips for those who may be dealing with the residual fallout of a tough year. They are tried and true recipes; simple and effective remedies.
Talk to your Counselor daily: Prayer is free counseling. In Isaiah chapter 9 Jesus was referred to as the “Wonderful Counselor” and the “Prince of Peace.’ Daily prayer is not a ritual designed to impress God. Rather, it is a great time to tell God how you feel and to ask Him for His advice. The most effective way to deal with pain and confusion is to engage in intimate conversation with the one who knows and loves you best.
God listens to our prayers and He might respond in any number of ways. Often God will reassure us by reassuring our hearts or by allowing us to be aware of His presence. At other times He will use people to minister love and understanding; books, sermons, songs and advice are often been God’s way of helping someone back on their feet. It really works!
Let the Great Physician treat your condition: There are some life experiences that injure an individual so profoundly that the person cannot help themselves. Only radical treatment from a physician can save them. Jesus has been called “The Great Physician.” He can heal people’s bodies, hearts and minds. Miracles still happen to those who are humble enough to seek His help. If you are unfamiliar this concept, find someone who has been treated by the Great Physician and can vouch for His work.
Join a support group: How refreshing and empowering it is to find a group of people you can love and trust. What a treat it is when a church or prayer group can foster an atmosphere of prayer and encouragement. What a blessing it is to realize that church is not a place to attend out of obligation or piety, but a place to join others for worship and mutual support. Find a group of people who are committed to your well-being. Become a support to others – you can lean on God together.
Learn to celebrate life in ways that do not result in hangovers. The best learning resource is the Bible. The Bible is a surprisingly practical and pertinent book. It is handbook for better living. This best-selling book prescribes ways to deal with the pain and suffering that is unavoidable. It also provides the wisdom needed to avoid much of the unnecessary pain and suffering that is brought on by human reasoning and unrestrained choices.
These cures have been around for thousands of years. They have been working for that long. If you’re nursing a hangover from last year’s struggles, may you recover fully! Furthermore, may you enjoy a hangover-free future and may 2006 be a Happy New Year for you and yours!
For some readers this may be a familiar feeling; whether recently or long ago, a night of excessive drinking resulted in a generous dose of pain and suffering. What is do be done in such a case? The night before has come and gone; nothing can be changed about yesterday. The prevailing challenge is to somehow rediscover sobriety and comfort.
How does one nurse a hangover? The suggestions are numerous and include: coffee, hot water bottles, induced vomiting, liquid concoctions, sleep, exercise, etc. Of course the only sure cure to this condition is moderation or abstinence. But, alas, the damage has already been done. Hopefully, with some care, this suffering soul can get back on his feet and embrace a new day. Better yet, maybe he will be wiser for the experience.
Perhaps you, a friend or a family member has experienced another kind of hangover – a emotional or spiritual hangover. At the beginning of a new year many of us are feeling the ill effects of last year’s decisions and behaviors. Our heart may be aching because of a painful relationship. Our emotions may be overwhelmed because of misunderstandings, poor choices or simply the hard knocks that come with life. Our nerves may be taut and our mind confused, for reasons we cannot explain and because of situations over which we have no control. How does one nurse that kind of hangover? How does one get up, dust off their situation and embrace yet another calendar year?
It can be done. It has been done. Here are four simple nursing tips for those who may be dealing with the residual fallout of a tough year. They are tried and true recipes; simple and effective remedies.
Talk to your Counselor daily: Prayer is free counseling. In Isaiah chapter 9 Jesus was referred to as the “Wonderful Counselor” and the “Prince of Peace.’ Daily prayer is not a ritual designed to impress God. Rather, it is a great time to tell God how you feel and to ask Him for His advice. The most effective way to deal with pain and confusion is to engage in intimate conversation with the one who knows and loves you best.
God listens to our prayers and He might respond in any number of ways. Often God will reassure us by reassuring our hearts or by allowing us to be aware of His presence. At other times He will use people to minister love and understanding; books, sermons, songs and advice are often been God’s way of helping someone back on their feet. It really works!
Let the Great Physician treat your condition: There are some life experiences that injure an individual so profoundly that the person cannot help themselves. Only radical treatment from a physician can save them. Jesus has been called “The Great Physician.” He can heal people’s bodies, hearts and minds. Miracles still happen to those who are humble enough to seek His help. If you are unfamiliar this concept, find someone who has been treated by the Great Physician and can vouch for His work.
Join a support group: How refreshing and empowering it is to find a group of people you can love and trust. What a treat it is when a church or prayer group can foster an atmosphere of prayer and encouragement. What a blessing it is to realize that church is not a place to attend out of obligation or piety, but a place to join others for worship and mutual support. Find a group of people who are committed to your well-being. Become a support to others – you can lean on God together.
Learn to celebrate life in ways that do not result in hangovers. The best learning resource is the Bible. The Bible is a surprisingly practical and pertinent book. It is handbook for better living. This best-selling book prescribes ways to deal with the pain and suffering that is unavoidable. It also provides the wisdom needed to avoid much of the unnecessary pain and suffering that is brought on by human reasoning and unrestrained choices.
These cures have been around for thousands of years. They have been working for that long. If you’re nursing a hangover from last year’s struggles, may you recover fully! Furthermore, may you enjoy a hangover-free future and may 2006 be a Happy New Year for you and yours!
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