They steal from today. They take our eyes off of where we are. They taunt us with the what ifs of tomorrow.
How about a different 'what if'? What if: we only allow ourselves to emotionally react to what is a current reality; to what is right here in front of us.
Jesus says "do not worry about tomorrow, today has enough troubles of its own." In other words, don't go borrowing trouble for yourself. He will give you the strength to see you through where you are right now. Process where you're at, and when tomorrow comes, process there. Don't go jumping ahead of yourself and taking on the weight of the world in worry about what might be.
Stress is usually a fear that things aren't going to come together the way they are supposed to. That you might be behind schedule, that you might not meet the deadline, that the preparation for the party might not all get finished, that your plans might not go your way. But really, so what if they don't? I mean big picture here. What's the worst that can happen if you are late to something? What's the worst that can happen if that deadline passes? Will the party really be ruined if you don't get to make that last strand of bunting? (Jaden's birthday party wasn't!) I mean, I am all for being on time. But here's the balance in it... Do what you can to ensure that you are on time, and if something outside your control comes into play, then roll with it. Life is most enjoyable when we are able to take those unexpected things that are thrown at us in stride, and just do what you can when you can.
Anxiety. A physical reaction to stress usually.
Fear. Could be an emotional, mental or physical response to a circumstance that in most cases does not even exist.
Worry. Worry questions the capability of God to see you through whatever your future holds.
All of these things distract us from the present. Don't let them steal from you today.
(This post is part of a 31 day series on being present.)
No comments:
Post a Comment