Culture stress has really been weighing me down recently; I've been finding my temper becoming much shorter and my emotions more quickly spent. Yesterday (May 13th) was a particularly grueling battle that I lost miserably, and I ended the day feeling so defeated and exhausted.
I've also been struggling to hold onto some sense of quiet time with my all-sufficient Father and Lord, and have been robbing myself of the time of rest with him that, of course, I absolutely need. But this morning (the 14th), I sat down and opened up the copy of Oswald Chambers' book, My Utmost for His Highest, that my roommate owns. Though her book is the classic version with its older, more cumbersome language, the message is usually well timed, or at least instructive whenever I do take the time to read it.
You can read the message here: https://utmost.org/the-habit-of-enjoying-adversity/
This message was SO needed, and has given me more of an answer to the culture shock I've been battling than any advice or thoughts I've been given so far - and it's challenging, but it gives me hope.
Yes, one battle was lost yesterday. But today's battle is just beginning, and, regardless of it's outcome, I know EXACTLY who wins this war.