Worry

The Cure for Anxiety

^{Holman Christian Standard Bible
Matthew 6
25} "This is why I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the sky: they don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they? ²⁷ Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying? ²⁸ And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don't labor or spin thread. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! ³⁰ If that's how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won't He do much more for you—you of little faith? ³¹ So don't worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' ³² For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. ³⁴ Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I realized yesterday it had been almost three months since I posted. Wow. Time certainly flies. We've had two birthdays and Christmas in our household since October 1. Taylor turned 11 October 16. I've seen the shift from toys to boys and clothes, yet another reminder she is growing up on me. Noah turned 7 this year. He is becoming a young man with interests of his own. He's gotten into hunting and fishing and remains a child who will spend most of his time outdoors if the weather permits. Even with it 10-15 degrees last week he had to be outside at least some. Makes me glad to have 2.5 acres and a neighborhood with other boys!

2009 was a blessed year for our family. Troy and I continue to be blessed with careers we enjoy, health and more than we deserve. Our family grew with the addition of a brother-in-law (Andrew), two nieces and two nephews. Its been a treat to have "cousins" for our children. And yes, I love hearing "Aunt Jenn." We lost an important family member. My last living grandparent, Paw Paw Taylor went to be with Jesus back in February. I miss him greatly, but I'm glad he is healthy and once again with Maw Maw.

I had a fantastic opportunity to be home for a little over two weeks at Christmas. Aside from the celebrations, I set out to tackle a project I have been meaning to do for quite some time. I cataloged more than 15 years of photos dating back to my high school days. As I poured through the photos, it reminded me of just how full of a life I have been given. Even when we thought we had nothing, I was blessed with loving family and a roof over my head. Times when the kids were small and we were rubbing pennies together to get by...times when I felt completely overwhelmed wondering how to take care of things, were documented with precious smiles and silly moments from my babies.

It was also a wake up call. Worry and the pressure to get things done often takes space in our lives when we should enjoy the blessings we are given. God reminds us in Matthew 6 that we shouldn't worry about tomorrow, we shouldn't worry about what we are going to wear, or what we will have to eat tomorrow...He will provide. That's a tough lesson for a worry wart like me! So whether 2010 brings a storehouse of success or many trials, most likely something in between, our God is in control, and HE will provide.