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Thinking About Stress

Weekly Thought – December 24, 2019

Fred traditionally did his Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve. The family all knew when he left “to run errands” he was out finding gifts. When he returned he wrapped his bounty in newspaper and put them aside. Why not under the tree? Because that was the other tradition – buying and decorating the tree as a family on Christmas Eve. It was years before the grown children realized he waited until the trees’ prices were reduced drastically.

BWF and BWFLI send Christmas blessings to each of you. Your faithful support strengthens and encourages. May your Christmas Day bring hope and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thinking About Stress

(Harold Myra and Paul Robbins queried Fred at length in the mid-1980s. One question opened the way for one of Fred’s highly identifiable thoughts: the difference between a problem and a fact of life. As we plan for 2020, it is helpful to “listen” to Fred talk about stress.)

“Back in 1965 we heard you give a talk at a Youth For Christ convention on various aspects of stress. Do you still think about this?”

Recently, I had a visit with Dr. David Morrison who is a national authority on the subject of stress. It is interesting that he considers stress to be part of a heathy person.

One of the things about stress is being able to define the areas in which you are helped by having stress. There is definitely a healthy aspect. The key is identifying the problem. I like to say a problem is something I can do something about, If I can’t do anything about it, it is not my problem. It doesn’t become my problem until there is a way I can affect the outcome. If I can’t do anything, it becomes a fact of life. I have to constantly be able to recognize and differentiate, accept, and live with the answer. I cannot solve things that are insolvable. Therefore, I spend no time thinking about them.

A young executive came up to me one morning and asked if he could talk with me. We stepped over to the side of the room away from the others. He had a distinct tremor. “Mr. Smith, last night was the most meaningful night of my life. Do you notice anything wrong with me?” “You’re trembling.” “Yes. Last night I listened as you were talking about problems and facts of life. All my life I have had this tremor and probably will have it the rest of my life. But last night I went up to my room and came to peace with it. It’s not my problem anymore; it’s a fact of life.”

Many people call things problems which actually are facts of life. For example, company policy isn’t an employee’s problem; it’s his fact of life. Mental and emotional health comes from being able to say “I will not be oppressed or anxious about things I can do nothing about.”

Don’t ask, “Is this a tense job?” That’s the wrong question. The right question is “Am I tense?” Stress provides good clues about strengths, talents, and best places to operate. It highlights weaknesses, as well, and points us away from certain jobs if we listen.

This week think about: 1) How healthy is my stress? 2) What clues am I receiving from current stress? 3) How can I apply problem v. fact of life this week?

Words of Wisdom: “I spend no time thinking about things I can do nothing about.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word brings him joy.” (Proverbs 12:25 NET Bible)

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The Necessity of Urgency

Weekly Thought – May 6, 2014

Fred said, “I have never felt pressured by time.”  He refused to give in to the press of extraneous demands which took control of his life.  He clearly defined his schedule.  This did not mean he lacked a sense of urgency.  In fact, his ability to prioritize and to take action marked his life. He once asked pro athlete Craig Morton what it takes to be a great quarterback.  His answer, “The ability to relax under fire.”

Sharing these bits of Fred-thought each week is a joy and a blessing.  Thank you for your continual support and encouragement.  We enjoy being part of your Tuesdays and hope the wisdom strengthens you.

The Necessity of Urgency

If you lack a sense of urgency, then you must have nothing important in your life.

Some of my retired friends tell me a problem they face is the flattening out of their priority list — everything becomes equally important.  One of the great motivations of life is that things have to be done at a certain time and in a certain way… you develop urgency around them.  Without this, you lose zest in life.  The study saying executive men have a life expectancy of 19 months past retirement reflects the lack of urgency.  Retirees who engage in activities which allow them to insert urgency and prioritization into their lives out live the charts.

It is critical to discipline our urgency.  This is the difference between healthy drive and panic which is one of the unhealthiest of our emotions.  My entire life I have tried to live with the maxim:  “Don’t panic.”  This allows me the freedom to operate in tight situations with clarity.

I remember having prepared very intensely for a talk to the Texas Bankers’ Convention.  The evening before, I reached into my briefcase for the presentation.  To my horror, there wasn’t a single piece of paper in there.  I realized I left the file in the trunk of my car which was at the dealership for repair and totally unavailable.   (more…)

Read More

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