Tranquili-Tea

Seven Ways

By Cindyann Rasquinha

Tranquili-tea in the midst of a very busy and noisy airport in India, sipping a fabulous cappuccino; perfectly tranquil. It is the middle of the night in India and my older daughter is with me. We are wide awake because our bodies tell us it is mid-afternoon.

Tranquility is not common in today’s world. Modern conveniences for every task, our lives should be easier and more efficient, we have less ease than ever before. Multi-tasking is still a "buzzword", but studies are now showing that multi-tasking is not as conducive to productively and quality of work as once thought. Many things may well get done, it seems, but also seems nothing is done well. Over ten years ago, my mother challenged me with this and she was very serious. I was explaining to her how I got so much done, I explained how I did little jobs as I brushed my teeth with one hand; she was shocked. As we spoke I was making our bed. Never one to interfere, her words meant much. She told me I was too busy if I could not stand in front of my bathroom sink and brush my teeth without tidying up the counter.

It seemed during those years I got so much done; I know that I felt efficient, but without peace and calm; there was always something else to do. I thought I had no choice, but what was the productivity worth? Past actions are – past. It is not good to dwell in the past, we can and should reflect upon it, seeking God’s wisdom and leading toward an improved present. My mother’s gentle challenge helped me to know tranquility.

There is no glory in a life full of stress. God wants us to serve Him. We should be most tranquil! His Word promises tranquility; His words are full of peace, full of comfort. They are beautiful, and strong. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30.

Yoked with the LORD, my days are easier, burden lighter. Practically speaking, there are steps that you and I can take to increase productivity while remaining tranquil, at least most of the time!

1. I plan my days, on paper. This activity helps me to avoid adding to an already full day. An old-fashioned "to-do list" makes saying no easier, even necessary! It does not mean that you cannot do a thing, but it means that it may have to wait. It may also mean no; this thing is not for me. Marking off completed tasks is an added bonus and you can visibly see how much you have accomplished! Sweet tranquility. If I do not accomplish everything on my list, I decide if it is important enough to put on tomorrow’s list. Maybe it did not matter at all! A list keeps me focused.

2. I spend time meditating specifically on God’s Word and what He is telling me for my life. God-confidence allows me to manage my time more wisely, helping me to do His will. If He is pleased with my days, all else falls into place; that is one of the blessings of being in God’s will. His will also includes the things I take special pleasure in, for He created me to enjoy and appreciate my life. We were not created for misery.

3. I have stepped up my effort to get healthy. Since mid-May I have been eating quite carefully, not in a fanatic fashion, but I did commit to make some drastic changes in order to improve my health. Until you eat a healthy diet, no matter what you weigh, stress will remain a large factor in your daily life. Before I noticed my stress level decline, a close friend observed that I seemed calm despite the obligations of the week. Hmmm ... was it that obvious? Mental note to myself: You are not as good at hiding stress as you think; just get rid of it!

4. I began returning to some of my old ways, things that were good. Instead of simply greeting my husband at the door when he comes home, I am trying to show the joy I should feel that my husband always does come home. A happy husband alleviates stress and this is one of my most important tasks! And privileges! If Harry is happy, I am happy! Tis’ true.

5. I spend a little more time getting dressed in the morning, even if I expect to see no-one, other than family. (They matter too!) A little ditty from my childhood is deeply ingrained. Be neat, be neat from your head to your feet, so you can go anywhere. Do you always look your best?

6. I have renewed my determination to set no unclean thing before my eyes, to have edifying and even happy music on while I work. I have an interest in following the news, but even on news networks that have a good many professing Christians, there is much to see and hear that does not edify. It may be wise to have a broad knowledge of the wrong in the world, but I am endeavoring to avoid salacious details of a story. It is not for my life. Even conservative news channels are guilty of putting the most provocative news in the headline; it’s a business. One that I choose to choose from.

7. In addition to reading my Bible, I am reading edifying material more, books that take me closer to the One that loves me and gave His life for me. My husband gave me a Kindle for Christmas which allows me to read a chapter here, a chapter there during times when I just have a moment. Amazing! Here in south India, the 3G network WORKS! Cool! (Not me; my Kindle!)

Tranquility is not gong to come automatically, certainly not in the world we live in today, but it should be woven into the fiber of our life. Won’t you spend some time with the LORD, praising Him for all the blessing He has given to your life and ask Him to show you how to live this life, His life better? Trust the prompting of the LORD to show you the areas in your life that need changing in order to walk in tranquili-tea daily. In tranquility, you will sense His presence in a fresh way, increasing your tranquility with His assurance too!

Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. Psalm 122:7