WORRY

Ask just about anyone close to me in my life and they'll tell you, I'm a champion worrier. It's my least desirable trait, and I wish it wasn't so. Count yourself lucky if you've never had to be my seatmate on a plane or the sounding board for my questions about the safety and health of our daughter. Bless you if you've ever had the patience to help me sort through my worries about jobs, money, houses, or the unknown just around the corner.

My mother tries to help me by reminding me that it is a sin to worry, but of course that only compounds the issue and makes me worry that I'm sinning constantly because I worry constantly. In my prayers each day I ask God to help me turn my fears, concerns, stresses, bothers, and problems over to Him. Somedays I do better than others and it is a constant struggle for me.

A friend at work whom I often discuss these things with was kind enough to share this Bible passage with me and I wanted to post it here for anyone else out there who might be a fellow worrier. Even bigger than that I wanted to post it here so that someday when my sweet Riley is reading this blog she'll know that her Mommy wants her to remember: Don't worry your life away my love, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:22-34
[22] 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. [23] Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. [24] 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! [25] Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? [26] Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? [27] "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. [28] 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! [29] And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. [30] For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. [31] But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. [32] "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. [33] Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.