Worried?.....

There are times in my life, as I'm sure in yours, where our lifestyle and inner attitude could best be epitomized by the 1940's comic cartoon character, Ebenezer Jones (a.k.a. The Worry Wart). Poor old Ebenezer apparently lived a non-stop life of worry. In reality, concerns about driving in winter weather, the health/safety/welfare of loved ones, the rising costs of insurance, political unrest, and other daily stressors are enough to give anyone a migraine.

One night, as I lie in bed wide awake with various stressors milling through my mind, I pondered whether or not there was anyone on the planet that lived life without concerns. Was there anyone that could drop into bed at night undistracted by deadlines or obligations and instantly dream of sugar plums?

I recently expressed this dilemma to a local priest and his insights are worth sharing: Worry, as we know, is a waste of time. Generally, the things we worry about are usually things that are beyond our control. Sure, we can do particular actions to direct some events. We all know risky behaviors we should avoid. But there are some worries in life that we just can't do anything personally, physically to prevent or resolve. (Just ask the dinosaurs.)

We know what Jesus says about worry. Open the Bible to Matthew, Chapter 6:25-34. 25n “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?o27Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?*28Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. 29But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. 30* If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ 32All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness,* and all these things will be given you besides. 34Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.

Obviously, worrying is not going to add a single moment to our lives. In fact, stress has been known to cause a whole host of illnesses. (Not to mention that worry is actually a sin, as it is a lack of trust in God's plan.....)

The priest went on to say that anytime we feel anxious we should envision ourselves as a small child. Picture Jesus coming to you, holding you in His arms and offering words of comfort. Take a moment to practice this vision any time you feel the stress piling on. Think of what you would say to Jesus and then say it. THEN..........., listen for His response. He is there to help you. He loves you. He wants to comfort you.

Overwhelmed or sad? Apply the same practice to those emotions too....

This priest added, if you are worrying too much and it's distracting you from other things (daily tasks, full involvement at Mass, etc.) then you are not praying enough. Sound advice....now and through the ages:

“Pray, hope, and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” (Padre Pio)

"Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

I'm not saying that it's easy to stop worrying....It's a habit I've cultivated well myself. But with the new year it's time take a new prayerful approach:

"Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ."