Dismiss

That may sound like a negative but it might turn out to be the most positive word I've ever used. One day, the only sunny, still day we've had lately, I sat down in the swing after my walk and that word drifted ever to gently into my mind. I never intentionally try to think of a word-for-the-year--I'm not that organized or strategic--but when this one came, I knew it needed some deep consideration. I am weary of the scary, fretful and worrisome thoughts that take up space in my mind and, ultimately, in my heart. As a chronic worrier and over-thinker, I've wrestled all my life with this tendency that I know to be wrong but can't seem to be rid of. What if I don't examine every single thought that comes into my head? Will my family be in danger because I haven't thought through every possible outcome? Will we go out of business because I haven't fretted over what to do next? Who will do all of this thinking if I don't? But, what if I could just end the striving and simply dismiss these tiresome thoughts in the same way I deal with other pesky things--just shoo them away, don't let them land and linger (I actually taken to using my hand to brush them off my shoulder before they've had a chance to stick. Weird, I know, but the action and symbolism help). How about I trust the Holy Spirit as I say I do and rely on Him to sift through the tangle in my mind and persist when there's a thought or idea that He means for me to contemplate? This word doesn't sound as proactive as other words-for-the-year usually do but I think it is. By dismissing all the thoughts that hold me back just think what I can do! So, over-thinker that I am, I've thought and thought and have written a poem. It's not a great poem but it was great fun to puzzle this idea into verses. I hope that, if you share this same problem, it helps to know that you're not the only one and that we don't have to stay this way. Let's try it.

The Dismissal

You are dismissed, wretched thought;
I've let you stay too long.
You pluck the strings of fear and worry
And play too discordant a song.

You are dismissed, useless rumination;
I should never have let you nest.
Without you here, I'm free to be,
To do, to sing what's best.

I'll be nice, fun and free
When you no longer reside.
I'll float like a feather on the breath of God 
Where peace and freedom abide.

So there! You are banished;
I'm done with your unease.
You go your way and I'll go mine;
Adios, cheerio, toodle-oo, if you please.