Strange are the things that can become the straw. The one that broke the camel's back, that is. Usually, we know when we are getting too near the edge. When our limit has been reached. When we have had all we can stand.

There are signs, hints. We have warnings. And when we have those warnings, if we are wise, we back off. We allow ourselves a quiet time. A time to ask, "What does it all matter in the light of eternity?"

Indeed, what does it all matter in the light of eternity?

We must never lose perspective. Ever tried to paint a landscape without proper perspective? Things lose their rightful place in the setting. And so it is in life. Without a proper perspective, things lose their rightful place in the day to day routines of our lives.

So, how do we maintain a rightful perspective?

First, we have to relax a bit. My dad used to laugh. When he had just about reached his limit, he would laugh. It was the same as crying for many females I have known, self included. Both the laughter and the crying bring relief of sorts. But I always envied Daddy's laughter. It seemed to relax him and give him a renewed energy. Those of us who choose to cry were left with red noses, tense and swollen faces, and a bit of fatigue.

Oh, don't get me wrong, crying has its place. In some situations, there is nothing better than a good cry or a good laugh. Depending on the circumstances they each work their own miracles for the body and soul.

Second, we must bring our breathing under control. Check it out the next time you get really bent out of shape over something trivial, or even earthshaking. Notice your breathing patterns. Chances are a few good, deep breaths (very deep), taken in and breathed out slowly (very slowly) will do wonders.

The simple act of choosing to check out your breathing patterns gives you a break from the stress of the moment. You make a choice and act on that choice and it releases you from the grip that anger, pain, frustration, grief, etc. has on you.

Third, you ask for help. Some folks might choose to follow some respected chain of command. Me? More often that not, I go straight to the top. How on earth or in heaven He pulls it off, I don't know, but God always has time to hear me out. Once I have spoken with Him, then I will check out any other reasonable chain of command that may be in place. I may or may not follow it, depending on the circumstances and how much time I may have to solve the problem at hand.

So, where are are we now? We have either laughed or cried, taken a deep breath and whispered a prayer. Ah, the question! "What does it all matter in the light of eternity?"

I suppose the answer to that question depends on your faith. Your personal religious beliefs will dictate much of your future action in times of great stress. After you have followed steps one, two and three, to some degree or another your religious convictions will kick in.

Now, I won't pretend to have the wisdom to tell you what to do after that happens. But your heart will respond if you let it. I hope you share my awareness of a great and wonderful God, a heavenly Father who cares deeply about every aspect of our lives. If you do, and if you turn to Him at some point during your time of irritation, pain, or loss, then you will more than likely be afforded a strange kind of peace that will get you through anything.

These words have been somewhat hastily written on a Friday morning of a week that has held its share of frustrations. I have not had the time to consider deeply what words of wisdom I could pass on to others who may have had a week like mine. But I do hope I have been able to point out to you once more that you always have choices.