Good morning, Father! I am looking forward to a good day together. Though I have not written in a couple of weeks, we have nonetheless been together. Thank You for the many blessings of the season – safe travel, good fellowship with friends and family, and wonderful foods. Show me today what You would have me share. Amen.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
Anxiety. Life can easily be filled with anxiety. And the Christmas season lends itself well to cranking up our stress levels. Some things that stress others, don’t stress me.
I try to help, but I’m sure I don’t put a dent in the stress Karen experiences during the holidays. We host her family’s Thanksgiving get-together and a Christmas open house for both of our churches – that means cleaning and cooking and lots of baking!
Then there’s getting all the gifts we are giving, getting around a “Thank You” for all the wonderful gifts from students and church friends, wrapping gifts, decorating our home, etc., etc. And of course, much of that occurs when she has taught all day!
It is appreciated by all and I am so proud of the fact that she excels at it all. …but it is stressful. It brings anxiety…for her.
As I said, I try to help, but I’m sure I don’t put a dent in it.
But I do have anxiety, and many may chuckle at what stresses me. When we have a house full of people, family or friends, I stress about making sure I speak to everyone. I stress that I may interact with some more than I interact with others. I stress that I miss when some people leave and I didn’t get the chance to thank them for coming and to give them a heartfelt farewell. I so appreciate them being able to come.
Another area of stress is when Massey comes home. His coming is not stressful, it’s the fact that he will leave that’s hard. Many times, I am very good at not thinking about it. I savor each day that we have, embracing each moment. And then, like this year, I stress because I think, “This is our last week! We haven’t done this or that. Have I truly savored and cherished each moment?” It literally kept me awake last night! It is not unusual for me to get up a couple of times in the night but I can usually get back to sleep pretty quickly…but not last night…
Jesus spoke to us about anxiety in Matthew 6:25-34 (NLT),
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life…” v.25
He goes on to speak about not worrying about what we will eat, drink and wear but He stresses that our heavenly Father knows us and loves us. He cares about every area of our lives.
“These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. vs.32-34
Lord Jesus, there is no need for worry for everything is under You. Help me to trust You in every aspect of my life. May I give it all over to You. Amen.
Jan 5th, 2020, Sun, 7:40 am
