Worry is futile
"Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but it doesn't get you anywhere." I was reminded of this old adage last week when I had my abdominal CT-Scan.
The nagging thought of "what if" kept on haunting me while waiting for the result. Thank God the result was good.
The Catholic Ireland.Net, a Salesian Bulletin states, "Worry has myriad of faces. If we are not mindful, it takes over our lives. Imagination tinged with fear can liter our internal landscape with endless dire of possibilities. If we allow worry to dominate our lives, it will gnaw away our peace. It is important to learn to let go of situation over which we have no control of. As an old saying goes, " It ain't no use putting up our umbrella till it rains."
Our source further comments, "If we keep our 'worry umbrella' open all the time, worry can affect practically every system in our bodies. It elevates stress levels which among others, alter blood pressure, trigger increased stomach acid, affect our eating patterns, causes muscle tension, headaches and backaches."
Our source believes that we should examine our worry pattern. Let's be reminded of what Winston Churchill said who was quite a worrier, " When I look back on all those worries, I remember the story of an old man who said in his death bed that he had a lot of troubles in his life, most of which had never happened."
As Luke 12: 25-26 declares, "Can anyone of you by worrying add a moment to your lifespan? If even the smallest things are beyond your control, why are you anxious about the rest?"
There are simple formulae to help one combats worry. Here are some as cited by Harold J. Sala in his book, 365 Guidelines for Daily Living:
First, confront your problem. Worrying about cancer or any illness for that matter does not make it go away – neither does it give you peace of mind.
Second, challenge your problem. If you do anything about it, do it. You will then find that your mind is filled with thoughts of positive action rather than needless worry. There are times, however, when you cannot do anything about it, like preventing a hurricane or famine.
Third, commit your worry to God. Faith in God's providence and watchful care can do for you what you cannot do for yourself. Be reassured by these words, "Indeed he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:3).
Look at the lilies that bloom, and the blades of grass, and remember who take care of them. Notice the little bird that builds his nest in the giant oak tree, then ponder the question that Christ asked His disciples, "Are you not much more valuable than they" (Matthew 6:26). Worry does not rob tomorrow of its troubles –it only takes the joy from today.