Why worry?

Here I am worrying about what amazing words I can write for my very first blog. Yet, not more than two minutes ago, I helped my son learn Luke 12:22-28 (NIV) for an upcoming speech meet.

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat: or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!

Don’t worry? Ouch! Sigh. But, I’m a professional worrier.

We teased my son that these verses were the perfect choice for him. He frets about everything. At least he comes by it naturally. Both sides of his family tree are incredible worriers. I like to believe it’s because we’re empathetic and understanding people.

That may be part of it, but God doesn’t want me to be anxious about my life. My whole life? But, that’s every part of it! You’ve got to be kidding! I don’t just worry about BIG things. I worry about getting the mounds of laundry done; what we’re going to have for dinner; or helping the kids get their homework done. Every trouble that friends and family have, I worry for them. It hurts to see them in pain emotionally or physically.

I have discovered a release though: I talk with the Lord about it and LEAVE it there. Often I have trouble with that last part. Frequently I leave it and then take it back again. By doing so, I am insinuating that God isn’t able to handle it.

O you of little faith!

If I believe God is who He says He is, and will do what He says He will, then I have to trust and let it go.

Let it go. Now there’s a freeing feeling. And, look! For someone who worried about what to write – there’s now a whole page! My worry for the first blog is over. No worries now – at least until the next one.