Relief Valves

The first half of this year has been full of surprise, new beginnings and some trial.  I’ve come to realize that life can be difficult and arduous; life can be challenging and full of bombshells.  Have you ever felt like you’re going to lose it?  Ever felt like you’re a time bomb ready to explode?  You know, like the walls of your existence are caving in on you? 

I was thinking the other day of relief valves and their purpose.  Defined, a relief value is a safety mechanism that relieves pressure when it becomes high right before it becomes dangerous.  As people, unless there is a “relief value” positioned in our life, the very pressure of life can become hazardous.  Just this year some of my friends have endured heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure and anxiety bouts.  My heart goes out to them, no question. 

I find myself asking, “Why?”  Why do we as humans fail to put into place relief valves to dissipate the pressure life presents?  If we know that life happens and can bring stress, why don’t we prepare accordingly?  Now, granted some of these conditions are genetic, unforeseen disease and unpredictable calamity.  However, for those life times that are controllable, at least in the “how” we handle them, doesn’t it make sense to integrate relief valves into our daily existence?  

Personally, I have relief valves that seem to remove the pressure which makes life more manageable.  And of course, makes me more civil to be around.  Check them out:

Pearl – my adopted daughter.  Pearl is almost three and is full of life, energy & mischief.  She’s a shepherd/border collie mix.  Not only does Pearl present that unconditional way about her that is ever so endearing, she relaxes and settles my spirit daily as I spend 30 to 45 minutes playing ball toss.  Just watching her run and run, and run some more acts as a relief valve to the daily pressures life brings.

Golfing – at least once a month, sometimes more, I get out and hit a little white ball at a flag.  Granted, I’m terrible at this game.  However, simply walking six to seven miles with my buddies – laughing, digging at each other & pretending we’re the next Master’s champion, is a total relief (actually, the other day I hit a ball 320 yards and pitched the ball right next to the flag to score a birdie!).

Nature – I backpack yearly, I hike often - I love the outdoors.  The other day I was walking and I came across some deer.  These beautiful, eloquent creations were simply about their day, eating, rooming and living life.  And yes, their very presence reminded me that life will have a way of working out; life is manageable and doable.  They became my relief valve, if you will!

Alone time – this is what I call my Sabbath.  One day a week, I turn off all electronics and I simply relax.  No phone calls, no emails, no texting, no Facebook, no Instagram, no Snapchat… NO social media.  In fact, it’s what I call a date with my Creator.  It’s my day I bask in His beauty, remember His love and contemplate the blessings He has given me.  As a Pastor and Chaplain, this is no question my greatest relief valve.  To know my Maker loves me unconditionally, is for me and not against me… well, this truly is where perspective is.

Well, I could go on and on.  As one who has to be intentional with relief valves, I encourage you to find things in life that will alleviate the pressures, the challenges and the complications of your existence.  As one who serves at a church and as a friend to the PD, I can’t encourage you enough to be still and know your Maker, for He is the epitome of a “relief valve!”  Cheers, thanks for reading.