I started to worry.
What if we run out of water?
What if we have to have power outages because
the hydroelectric plant doesn't have enough water to run it?
What if the roots of one of the trees out back give way
and a tree falls on the roof?
What if the drought continues?
What if???
Above and below are the two people who take up the most space in my thoughts and prayers on a daily basis. I pray for their protection, peace, health, strength, and salvation from all that would do them harm of any kind.
From there, my mind moved down the list of my favorite concerns.
What if one of us gets sick?
What if one of the children gets hurt?
What if there is a fire?
What if Steve loses his job?
What if we have to move away from Charlotte?
What would happen then?
Broken fingernails, food poisoning, job change, illness, drought, robbery,
car accidents, death, war, tornado, earthquake.
You name it, I began to think about it and worry about it.
From there, my mind moved on to prayer.
Lord, have mercy on us. Please send us more rain.
Lord, please protect my husband and children.
Lord, I worry about so many things.
There's nothing I can do to change the weather,
but I worry anyway.
There's nothing I can about so many things in the world,
but I worry anyway.
I don't like to worry.
I don't want to worry.
I know I shouldn't worry.
At that moment, instantly, a clear response came to my mind.
It was as though a Voice spoke directly to me.
"So stop worrying."
What?
"Stop worrying.
If worry does nothing, then stop worrying.
If worry changes nothing and accomplishes nothing,
then stop worrying."
You mean I can choose to stop worrying? I have a choice?
"Yes, you can decide to stop worrying.
The worries will undoubtedly return.
When they do, decide to stop worrying again.
For now, stop worrying."
Aha!
So I stopped worrying.
For now.
This is a photo of us at the local white water training center.
Can you guess which one of us was tired of being in photos?
7 comments:
This is great Gail. Worry seems like a disease in my life...caused by dis-ease. It's a constant battle to just quit it!
Let's give it up, this worry stuff. I know we both have better things to do!
Folding laundry, washing dishes, cutting my toe nails, cleaning up after my dog - all of these things, as well as everything else I do, is a far better use of my time than worrying. One worry at a time, one day at a time, I am hoping, planning, and praying to get over this worry habit of mine.
Gail, your post made me smile. My mom read my blog (she is not a Christian) and actually laughed at me for thinking I could hear God tell me that He gifted me with sleeping in. She said to me "oh at least you have a good attitude" and then laughed. When I read you heard God say "stop worrying" it made me smile. God does speak to His children because we KNOW HIS VOICE. Bless you friend!
Oh, and by the way, your children are beautiful. What a blessed woman you are!
Such precious photos! And your little guy does look like he's looking forward to "after the picture taking." :)
You are a beautiful family! Beautiful smiles.
Beautiful hearts.
Gail,
You have NO idea how much I needed to read this today! My "worry wart" mode has returned over something I shouldn't worry about: a vacation. Your thoughts on water challenged me, too. I am such a water snob (meaning I drink filtered water only), and I'm fretting over this cruise that's five months away (meaning I want to carry my own water). I'm going to go back and read and re-read your blog.
BTW, I love the fact you have a whitewater training center there in Charlotte!
Yes. I had a similar experience recently where I was getting all worked up about "stuff". I was driving in my car, ruminating with thoughts of control and worry and anger and confusion. And then the Lord spoke to me and said "Trust Me". It was clear as it could be...again..."Just Trust Me".
And that made all the difference.
Blessings,
Lisa
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