Stress seems to slip into my sleep lately. I awake up in the morning with this list. I go over and over throughout the day with this list.

I write it during classes and review it at my desk. The funny thing is – I know already what's on that list. It's written on my hand. It's one of the reasons why I have so many used dishes on the side of my desk.

Sink or swim. Wherever you are, whatever stage of life you're at, this is a reality at some point. You get thrown into an ocean and you have a choice: Fight. Or slip under the waves. This list isn't the only ocean water I see.

The water creeps in,

Calling my name, saying, you need to:

"Work-out more."

"Lose the weight."

"Take away from all the clutter."

"Your room is childish."

"Maybe you should smile more."

"Get more sleep."

"Eat less."

"Will this be adult-you? It better not."

Sometimes these things seem to swallow me alive. The water starts at my toes and only seems to rise more and more. Until I turn to old habits – sleeping it off or avoiding and sitting in this self-pity.

Lies. My standard should be so much higher. I can't hold the storm at bay. They will shove me aside. But when I seek the calm, God calls me back to the waves. He reaches for my hand and pulls me back. He tells me no matter where I am, or how vast it all may seem, He will never release my hand.

Even in the storm, it's Him who keeps my eyes on the shore. It's the hardest battle we may face. And usually there isn't one. It's time and time again. Hold tight. Seek not the shore, but the waves.

You're not lost in the storm.