I have always been a worrier, so much that I have made myself sick worrying about things. I worry about my kids, I worry about my parents, my sister and her family, my friends, their families, money, business problems, I have worrying skills. I think I have even worried that I worry too much. I have come to realize that my great worrying skills are wasted.
People have often said to me “Give it to God” and I do pray about it, but I would still worry. I think continuing to worry after giving a problem to God is a lack of faith. So now, if I find myself starting to worry, I ask myself a few questions. Do I really believe God will fix this? Yes. Do I believe it will turn out the way I want? No. Do I believe I can do a better job than God? No. Do I believe that this will work out in the best way for me, even if it’s hard to see that? Yes, yes I do.
Every decision that we make has effects for years, like ripples on a pond. It is impossible for me to know, today, that no matter how much I want something, in 6 months, or 2 years, it may be the worst thing ever. If I truly believe that God has my back, I have no reason to worry. It’s counterproductive.
I met a man who told me that I don’t take control of my own life, I “let” bad things happen to me. Well, if that’s true, I also let good things happen to me. I am open to possibilities. My faith is strong enough that I trust God to make better decisions than I can, I just hope I am smart enough to listen, but that’s a story for another day.
I don’t believe that I ever had total control over my life, I also never had control of my children, they are their own people, they have been on loan to me, but they are God’s children, just the same as I am, they have their own paths to follow and I cannot make decisions for them. Realizing this has made me appreciate the ebb and flow of life so much more. When you know things are not in control you take care of your own things, and leave the rest, the right things for you will be the ones that work out.
I know I am making it sound easy, but it really is. Worry causes high blood pressure, sleep disorders, anxiety,depression, gray hair and wrinkles. I can live with not being the one in charge. Don’t Worry, Be Happy. Enjoy your life, every minute of it.
About the author:
MamaSteph has 2 kids by birth and several by love, she is a nurse and enjoys finding healthier ways to make comfort foods, gardening, enjoying nature, and living life to the fullest…For a list of her blogs please click here.
