Relief Valves

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I threw in a load of laundry. Then I reached over and pushed the button on the laundry soap container.

What a pitiful drip, drip, drip. As I impatiently shifted from foot to foot, the small stream of liquid detergent seeped into my plastic cup. What the heck is going on here? Then I remembered…

We buy an abnormally large jug of laundry soap at a big box store. We save some money buying in bulk. The plastic container lies on its side, with a handy spigot.

Well, it was handy until just now anyway.

But I remembered what to do. Slowly rotating the cap to the container a half turn created just enough of a difference. Back in business. The soap poured out freely.

Kind of makes me wonder. There are plenty of times in my week when I get “stopped up.” The pressures of the day, worries about finances, health, even the crazy cold weather, start to build inside. With my good will and productivity slowed to a trickle,  my temper flares. Small irritants become dinosaur-sized problems. Where do I go to get flowing again?

“Most of us don’t need a psychiatric therapist as much as a friend to be silly with.” ~Robert Brault

I had this quote on my Facebook page and it got quite a few “likes.” I think I know why. One of my precious relief valves are the wonderful friends that God has given me. I think friends are a gift the Lord gives everyone to help reset the PSI in our hearts.

I remember an experience I had with a performance review at work. Turned out to be less than glowing. I didn’t think it was a fair assessment at all. (I actually refused to sign off on it.) I still got the usual raise, but the comments made just dug at me. I began to feel resentful and unappreciated on the job.

Time to call a friend of mine. We went out for coffee.

images-2

Ever put a few mint Mentos candies into a two-liter bottle of Diet Coke? I just spewed out my complaints. Nodding her head and clucking in sympathy, she slowly gave my heart a half-turn. Now I was the one back in business.

Leaving the coffeehouse, I gave her a big bear hug. Her love for me, and her supportive ear was all I needed.

Maybe you know someone like her. If you do, God has truly blessed you.

Pressure relieved, I was able to get back to the business of living. No longer ‘stopped up’, my peace was flowing at full force.

I decided to work a little harder, and with a little more joy. The next performance review was like a standing ovation at Carnegie Hall.

So let’s take a moment today to thank our friends who love us. And who willingly step in to help us get rid of that toxic tension.

Thank you my friend. Couldn’t have done it without you.

Come on over and ‘Like’ my Facebook page

74 thoughts on “ Relief Valves ”

  1. Good evening Ceil…
    And such inspiring thoughts…
    Don’t we all have a friend like yours? Thank Heavens…
    Have a wonderful week!
    And I will try to remember to BE such a friend as well. : )

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Billie Jo! We are so blessed with our friendships, aren’t we? And you are absolutely right. I hope that I can be that kind of friend too.

      We can all inspire each other, just by something as simple as listening. A loving, caring ear is sometimes all it takes. I pray that I will always have a willing spirit. Thank you for reminding me.

      Have a good night!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  3. aww :) I’m so thankful for you too and it’s a blessing to get to know you friend. You maybe not help me in person or physically help but you here and help my spiritual growth in the Lord. :)
    There alot of things to be worried inside but everyday God show up through some people around us.
    Thank you for sharing the beautiful thing today! I’m sure that your friends are also blessed to having you.
    Have a glorious week!.
    Blessing,
    Delvalina

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Delvalina! I feel the same way about you. You inspire me all the time, and I am so thankful for that.

      I am so glad that you see God ‘showing up’ for you in your life. He is always there for you, especially when you have worries. He loves you so much, Delvalina. He will never leave you.

      You have a glorious week too my friend. I love that word ‘glorious’! May he lift us both in his loving arms,
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Dayle! You are so right. And in these days that are so cold and snowy, and we are so busy, those times spent with our friends are really precious.

      I hope you have some moments like that this week!
      Thank you for your visit today :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Elizabeth! Your ‘drop down’ commenting issues cleared up? Yay! So nice to hear from you today.

      I agree 1000% with everything you said (and I mean one thousand percent!). Treasured is the right word. What a gift God has given us in our friends. Especially the ones we can share faith with.

      Have a great day :)
      Ceil

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  6. Ceil…I was one of those who “liked” and commented on that facebook post of yours. I don’t remember exactly what I said but I totally agreed with you. Being able to find someone to “let it all out” with is such a great thing….whether it is during a serious conversation or just being silly, it is such a blessing to have a friend like that to understand and support us. Have a wonderful Monday!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Debby! I know you were one of those ‘likes’, you have been such a support to me. You have no idea how much I appreciate your blog-friendship. What a gift YOU are!

      Good point about silly or serious. Our good friends just love us through anything, don’t they? I am blessed through all the people who support me in the times when I’m sad, and the times when I’m happy.

      And in the new times, like branching out to Facebook. You are a wonderful encourager. Thank you Debby.
      Blessings to you this day my friend,
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  7. Who knew that doing laundry could apply so much to life? It’s so true though and you’re right about having a friend to talk to. I’m blessed to have that too and I’m thankful that God is always willing to listen!
    Have a great week!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Mari! I know, I find little glimmers of truth in the craziest things! But I love it, and it’s a blessing to be able to write about it.

      I am so glad you have such wonderful people in your life. And of course, the Lord is always ready to hear us. That’s a good point too. We have God in his spirit, and his children in the flesh. As usual, the Lord has it all covered. Thank you for that insight!

      Happy Monday :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  9. What a fantastic analogy. I love the Brault quote. I have some friends like this and I value what they add to my life. I’m not a silly-loving person and it’s hard for me to belly laugh. I’m thankful for those who pull it out of me. Laughter really is the best medicine.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Pam! Thanks for coming on over today! Thank you for the lovely comments on the blog post today.

      You have a good insight here. Our friends do ‘pull out’ the best in us, because they know it’s there. Seeing something funny in what we are going through is really such a gift, isn’t it? I agree that laughter is the best medicine. It just clears the air and my heart somehow.

      It sounds like you have precious friends. What a blessing.
      Happy Monday my friend!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  11. Lovely as usual Ceil. I’ve been praying for more friends (specifically Christian women) in my life. I’m a pretty shy person, so it’s hard for me to even make friends. It might come as a surprise – I find I’m better expressing myself in writing than in person.

    Anyway, I have one dear friend who lives on the other side of the country. However, sometimes you need that big bear hug.

    Thank you for sharing and enlightening.
    xoxo

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Jennifer! It is surprising that you describe yourself as shy, but I think a lot of writers are like that. We are good observers, so we don’t speak up much sometimes.

      I will pray for you too, to find Christian women to bond with and have some fun! I’ll offer you my ‘cyber-hug’ and wish you were my next door neighbor. Wouldn’t that be something? I am so happy that we know each other. Thank you for your hug of friendship on FB and in our blogs. I do cherish it!

      {hugs},
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  12. Hi Ceil: I have a friend or two just like that. When they are down, I am there to bolster them up, as they have done me. Once when I was ‘down’, my one friend got me to laughing. All she said was, “It wouldn’t do for both of us to be down at the same time.”
    I had this mental picture of that scene; it wouldn’t be pleasant.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Cecelia! A friend that can make you laugh is pure gold. Laughing releases so much stress for me, I love it! And you are so blessed to have more than one friend that you can listen to, and who will listen to you too.

      I think the Lord makes sure that we are ready to help when we are needed. You’re right! It wouldn’t be pleasant to have both of you ‘down’ at the same time.

      God does bless us in our relationships!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  15. Yes, we need a good girlfriend!!
    I also did a post on the same thing, as we must have a place we can let off a bit of steam at times. Life has a way of building pressure! So glad I have the Holy Spirit to help me, and He gives us wonderful precious friends….
    Blessings, Roxy

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Roxy! I know you did, and I just read it! We came up with the same conclusions. Our friends are gifts from God. They are the hands and feet of the Lord on earth.

      I am so happy that you have so many wonderful friends to cheer you. And I know they benefit from your presence and experiences. God is so good to us.
      I’m so happy to see you here!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Mary! I am grateful for your blog-friendship too Mary. You have been so supportive of my new blog home and joining me on Facebook too. I really appreciate it. It warms my heart!

      I thank God for all my friends, both in my neighborhood, and on the web. Bless you :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Diana! Then you are very blessed indeed. I am always thankful for the people in my life who not only put up with me, but will allow me to listen to them too.

      I need the reminder too!
      Hugs right back my friend :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  18. This spoke to me in another way. I am supposed to be the friend that “listens”. My friend has called me many times to do dinner and listen to her. Well, after a while I just didn’t feel I had the energy for it. But now I feel I have done her and myself a great disservice! I should be there to just listen. Not give advice, just listen. I will be going to see her very soon to let her know I am sorry that I haven’t been there for her lately. Thank you Ceil for opening my eyes to what I need to be in a friend.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Monica! I am so happy that this post could encourage you Monica. I think I was also shown, in several comments, that not only should I benefit from friends, but that I should also be that listening ear. I hope that I am, but I should keep it more in the front of my mind.

      I think you are a wonderful servant of God, and I am so happy that we are connected through our blogs :)
      Blessings to you, my friend,
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

      • I can relate to this too. Having a mother in care, I find myself a daily sounding board for her issues. I try my best to be there and she also calls on friends and relatives who are Christian. It is a real shame how many have told her it is an inconvenient time to call them or to tell her they are busy, or blah, blah, blah. You fill in the blanks. If there were actually there for her (and for other elderly and incapacitated), it would be such a help and encouragement to them and to their caregivers.

        Reply ↓

    • Hi Lisa! Thank you for coming over to visit! I’m so glad you liked the posts here. Your encouragement means a lot to me.

      I hope we’ll stay connected through our blogs all the new year :)
      I am continuing to hold you up in prayer,
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  20. Thankful for the friends in my life and for those in the online community too – like you! When we feel like pulling away is when we need those friends to surround us most – just like yours did.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Mindy! I think you are so right about both points. I am so grateful to you Mindy, you were with me from almost the beginning of my blogging at Evangelize. And you are still here! What a blessing :)

      And my budding bad attitude certainly could have continued, and caused no good I’m sure. All it took was a listening ear, and I could get myself back on track. Well, with the Lord’s grace too. I am greatly loved by our God, as are you my friend :)
      Hugs, Ceil

      Reply ↓

  21. Why is it a magician on stage can put some white handkerchiefs in a tube and they come out all colors and everyone applauds. And when I put a red item in the washing machine and everything comes out pink I get told off?

    Your opening remarks reminded me of the last time I performed that trick. And was told off yet again. Some people don’t appreciate repeat performances!

    You’re right though about having a friend help us with our problems. Even if it’s just listening. I remember a very bad period at work. I nearly resigned there and then. A friend took me out to the pub and after a few pints he made me see sense. My career improved no end from there on.

    God does send us friends/angels to help us in our times of need. And also opportunitites for us to help others too.

    May He bless you and yours always.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Victor! What a great story about how God nudged your friend to come and rescue you, just like mine did for me. He had more work for you to do!

      (I had a tee-shirt once that made all my underwear pink, because I kept thinking that it couldn’t possibly have any more dye. I was wrong…)

      Thank you stopping by Victor. And I’m glad your server lets you in!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  22. Amen to friends and to activities, especially positive ones that distract us from our problems and give us something to balance the negatives in our lives. At times we surely too do need the pressure valve release of talking to trusted friends.

    On another note, I do love your new header Ceil. Did you take the photo? It looks so very fun!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Joyful! Oh yes, the distractions are so key. I can get so buried in one thing and just blow it up into an importance it does not deserve. Friends do ground me for that, no question.

      Thank you for your fun comment about the header! It is a rotating one, it’s a feature of this blog theme. The only photo I took myself is the one with the yellow trees. I tried uploading a photo I had of balloons, but it wasn’t as good as this stock one.

      Thanks for noticing!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  23. Oh Ceil, this is such a great post and timely for me, too. I just wasn’t as patient with the kids this morning as I wanted to be and they were wildly excited and hyper, probably because the weather man is guessing that we’ll have snow in the next couple of days. Anyway, I turned to my very best friend, my husband, to vent a little and let some of that tension out. It made all the difference in the world. I am so thankful for him!!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Anne! I’m telling you, that husband of yours is pure gold. What a wonderful friend he is to you!

      Your kids can come over and see a foot of snow here! Sadly it comes with -6F weather. But you know that, because you were on my Facebook page! YAY!! I’m so happy you ‘liked’ the page. What a fun way to connect :)

      Enjoy the snow you get, and I hope the kids have a great time. Then….I hope it melts for you too.
      Hugs, Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Linda! I’m so glad that you have a supportive friend too. I think that’s what keeps me sane sometimes.

      Great point about the supervisor. I was working as a nurse, and I think most nurses would say they work for the patient, not the boss! But if I serve the people, then I serve The Lord. He wants us to love him and love his children. I love the way you got me thinking here!

      Happy Tuesday my friend!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  25. Praise God for friendships with sisters in Christ, in person and online, who bear our burdens and encourage us when we’re down. And for a husband who is my best friend. And dancing and singing are great stress-busters too. And of course, prayer and reading God’s Word! Thanks for the great post & God bless!
    Laurie

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Laurie! Aren’t you incredibly blessed in your husband! I know you had mentioned that you ballroom dance with him, so I guess you have to be good partners to accomplish that. And those kinds of physical activities are definitely stress relievers!

      No question that the Word is so good for addressing our emotions and directing our thoughts. I agree. But we can also give glory to The Lord for his wonderful gifts of human companions. He thinks of everything!
      Happy Tuesday my friend!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  26. Hi Mom!

    I liked this one, it made me think of the times I was ‘stopped up” needing to vent. Also made me think literally of opening the cap just a little to let in some air, but then trying to remember to close it so the soap didn’t drip all over the shoe bin below!

    Everyone needs that one good friend in their life, the one who will tell it to them straight, listen and support, and, if you’re lucky enough, help you grow closer to God through your experiences, whether happy or not. This helped me reflect on my life and I realized I am that valve for my best friend, and I need to be better at helping her “turn” when necessary. God calls us to walk with people on their journey, no matter how difficult. Friends are priceless and necessary. God places people in our lives for a reason. We need to appreciate the friends we have, especially the good ones. Not everyone is so lucky!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Dear! What great thoughts at 3 o’clock in the morning. (Say ‘hi’ to Ellie for me!) We are called to be friends to certain people, God planned it before we were born. Some really need help, some are more verbal than others, some really just like to listen.

      It’s great that you can target people in your life that you can be that ‘cap turner’ for…loved the reference to the shoes, by the way :). I know that your friends are very blessed to have you in their lives. You are a wonderful and faith-filled person.

      Not to mention that fabulous vision you have to find a diamond in the rough. Literally and figuratively!
      Mom

      Reply ↓

  27. Ceil, Thank goodness for friends (and husbands) who help us release the pressures of life so that we can continue to spread joy instead of getting stopped up! What a great post today. It is so important to let this stuff go, rather than let it get to us.

    Kim

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Kim! I think you are one of a growing number who count their husbands as their best friends. Such an incredible blessing.

      Good point about how pressure can keep us away from spreading joy. All bottled up and ready to blow…not the kind of person you want to meet today, right? We can serve so much better when we are at peace. Thanks to our loving friends and family :)

      Have a great Tuesday my friend!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Wanda! Yes I agree. And how can we listen to others if we are about to ‘blow’ ourselves?

      God has created a very effective relief valve for us, so that we can get about the work he wants us to do.

      Thank you for your visit! Have a great Tuesday :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  29. Well, Ceil, you just caught my husband and me being silly together, in my reply to your comment over on my post. But you have also just reminded me what a blessing I have in a friend with whom a telephone conversation somehow always turns into uproarious laughter, even when right before that one or both of us were just dragging around (or, me, grumpy!) Great analogy, that relief valve. (And I think I’ll give my relief valve friend a call this afternoon,)

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Sylvia! What a great thing to have a giggle with your husband!

      Sounds like you have a wonderful friend too (I guess that makes two!) and I hope you have a fun, fun chat. Give that valve a good half turn and you can smile the rest of the day.

      I WILL keep in touch. I need a buddy to help me through the challenges. It’s going to happen this year! Yay!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  30. Well Hello There!

    It feels like forever that I have talked to you….. How are things with you? I am doing really well. Keeping busy, but that’s the norm around my homestead. :)

    I loved this post! I think everyone has been posting on this. Good friends are hard to find these days, I’m so glad I have the few that are just like this post. I give and receive those Big Bear Hugs and a listening ear and heart are always key to a good lasting friendship. All my girlfriends are treasures from above and I thiank God every day for each a every one of them!

    I hope you have a wonderful day Ceil!

    Blessings and Hugs,
    Amy

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Amy! I am so happy to see you here! And I’m even happier that you have such good friends around you. They really do help us get back to ‘normal’ and reset those batteries. I bet you are a wonderful comfort to all your friends.

      I think it’s interesting that you are seeing a lot of posts on this subject. Maybe in wintertime, we’re all cooped up and missing our connections? I wonder if that’s it.

      I know you are such a busy person, I really appreciate your taking the time to visit. I always love seeing you! Have a great Tuesday my friend. Keep warm, and give out plenty of those bear-hugs!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Karen! Thank you for your kind comment about your blog-friends. I have learned so much from you! I always enjoy coming over to your site, and love to see you here. Aren’t we blessed?

      Have a wonderful Tuesday! And let’s travel 2014 together :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Ali! I am so grateful for my blog-friends too, and that includes you. You have been so supportive of me, I really appreciate it!

      God has blessed us both with such rich gifts. We are truly his children.
      Have a good evening :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Dee! Oh I agree that God has placed them in your life just for you. And I think he planned it all at the beginning of time. Isn’t that an awesome thought?

      I pray that I can be that friend to the others he has chosen for me to love.
      I do give thanks for all my friends, including the cyber-friends. That includes you! I am so thankful that we connected. God is good :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  34. We buy the big jugs of detergent too! Love the quote you posted…..so true. I have a couple of blogging friends who really help me out and let me release a lot of pressure over to them. I love their advice. Thanks you for stopping over. I love that your son is a movie critic. I do enjoy going to the show. Hope your week is going well.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Debby! (I just love your image…we used to call my daughter “Little Bug”)

      We are so blessed with our blog friends, there is just no question about it. I am so thankful for all the support they give, and that includes you! I’m so happy that we have connected :) My week is going well. It didn’t get as cold as they had predicted, and that makes me happy.

      Have a great evening!
      Ceil
      PS My son is not a movie critic…although sometimes he acts like one!

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Floyd! Believe me, there are times I feel sorry for my friends when I have a lot to say. But they never complain, and they know I’d do the same for them.

      That is the way it’s been designed, so true. God is good!
      Have a good evening, thanks for the visit :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Linda! Oh thank you so much! That is awfully kind of you. I really like it too. I’m new to WordPress, but I saw that this theme had a rotating header after I picked it. I had no idea! (I am not too technically inclined.)

      The only photo that I personally took is the one with the yellow leaves. The others are free images I got from the internet. I’m thinking of changing some each month, just to keep it interesting.

      Now, can I remember what size I uploaded them in? Hmmmm. Well, I have to love a challenge!
      Thank you again Linda. You are such an encourager, and I appreciate that so much. I am so glad that we are connected :)
      Have a good night,
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

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