There’s a story about St. Teresa of Avila losing her traveling supplies in a raging river.  When she went to calm down and pray, God revealed it was to show his love and friendship. She retorted, “No wonder then you don’t have many friends.”

I love this story for a few reasons. It shows how even when we’re out there doing our job or following the path, adversity happens. It shows the power of being resourced—she knew her tool to get calm and actually used it. It showcases her humor, which is instructive. Something is hard? Lighten it. Which may have been God’s point.

I just crossed a few rivers with my traveling supplies for a month. I prepared for delays, inconveniences, and transportation strikes. During a scheduled strike in the Rome metro system, I took a taxi to the train station. It was glorious. Instead of crowding through the chaotic underground, I was riding the swooping curves of aboveground Rome. I got to see parks, aqueducts, and ancient walls. In addition to feeling full with a leave-taking, I suddenly wanted more, a return.

People have been asking what I learned about myself or the world. The surface answer is that I miss being able to show up without an app or reservation, and people are still helpful. The deeper answer is that being older, having done this a few times, the inconveniences and delays are less of a problem. They may bring the unexpected sweet thing. Make them not a problem, find solutions, remain calm, and look for levity.

Whether we’re home or away, we’ve got to keep our sense of humor intact. It’s one of the clearest markers of mental health. When I don’t feel some humor or lightness, it’s a signal for a time-out to get resourced.

We can notice this in each other and gently open some space. Let me take care of that. I’ll clean up. What can I take off your plate today? I’ve got this. We can be a little more gentle than God with Teresa.

And remember to tell yourself the same. I’ve got this, no big deal.