Deep Thought: Sometimes it takes me having something important to worry about to realize my worries are not important.
I worry too much. I am a perfectionist, a rule follower and I obsess about little details. In the last week or so, here is a small sample of the things I have worried about: Should it be a comma or a semicolon? Is it one claim with 4 counts or 4 claims? Should exhibits be numbered or lettered? Is my black dress appropriate to wear to the charity auction this weekend? Which Valentines Day Cards should my 4 year old to pass out at preschool? I could go on for pages and pages, but you get the idea.
This morning when I had this profound thought, it was because I had something important to worry about. My 4 year old son suddenly and inexplicably was unable to bear weight on one of his legs. I spent 1/2 the day in doctors offices and getting x-rays. We are going to have to see a specialist tomorrow.
The fact that I am able to focus on small details is a great asset in my profession. Anything worth doing, is worth doing well. I think we should all strive for excellence in everything we do, while acknowledging that only one perfect person (Jesus) has ever walked this earth. As I realized how worried I was about my son, I also realized how stupid it was to worry about Valentines Day Cards, clothes, letters versus numbers, claim versus count, and whether it should be a comma or semicolon. Once I realized it was stupid to worry about the little things, I also realized that worrying about my son was unproductive. I love the way that Jesus puts it in Matthew 6:27 "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" I do not mean this post to be a bible study (which I would be completely unqualified to write), but that quote really hits home. Worry accomplishes nothing.
I am concerned for my son's health. I am afraid that he has a serious condition. I hate seeing him in pain. But at the same time, I am not paralyzed by worry. If I can focus enough emotional energy to actually worry about Valentines Day cards for 4 year olds, I can redirect that energy to helping my son get through this condition.
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Children in so many ways teach us to value things differently, to worry more and less at the same time and to appreciate every beautiful moment for what it is.
ReplyDeleteI'm sending prayers your way for your son's health. Take care!
Don't borrow trouble from tomorrow, it is a debt you don't want to pay! Hugs for J!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad he seems okay now. Did you ever find out what the trouble was?
ReplyDeleteYou are too entirely qualified to write a bible study, Angela. :o) When we each learn something from the word of God, it comes to us according to our own understanding. When we share that with others, no matter how humble or simple it may seem, we provide God with an opportunity to use us to speak to someone else according to their understanding, opening the gospel and love of Christ to them in a new way.
Jesus didn't go to the learned and educated when he wanted apostles, who would then go out to teach. He found those with willing hearts and open minds. They learned from Him, and then taught others. We follow that same pattern now, except we learn from those around us, the scriptures, and through the Holy Spirit.
There are many, many good men of the cloth who perform God's work every hour of every day . . . but they can't do it all. :o) He needs all of us to teach each other every chance we get.
{/personal religious rant}
Thanks so much for the lesson!