There is no substitute for peace. As I went through all the pricks and prods of needles this past week, I can tell you that remaining calm is the secret to less pain. Uncontrolled anxiety just makes your heart race, your breathing shorter and your nerves more sensitive. You have to remember that 'it is for your good.' You can work yourself into a panic, that's not helpful. I thought about my 4yr old friend, MacKenzie, telling me the week before that she doesn't cry over needles because 'I'm strong.'
What is composure? The self-controlled state of mind. ''Don't let a bad situation bring out the worst in you, Choose to be positive and be the strong person God created you to be.' Not if, but when I was far from calm and collected.....forgive my frustrations.
''How do we maintain composure? By remembering that “the Lord is at hand” (Phil. 4:5); He is near. Our Lord is standing just outside the door ready to burst through and turn everything that’s wrong right-side up. Then this world and all its troubles will become the kingdom of our Lord, and “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14).'' [odb.org]