Don't Worry. Be Happy.

It is so typical.  I ponder something in my heart all week only to find the answer waiting for me at some point during Mass on Sunday.

This past week I was questioning my preparedness for hard times ahead.  I am not a worrier by nature.  There are worriers in my life and I spend much time encouraging them to take heart and fear not;  God is with us always. Yet there are times when I do wonder if I have allowed myself to be too peaceful in this life.  If I should be doing more to prepare for the unknowable future.

Then I go to Mass.  With early morning sunlight streaming in through circular windows, falling softly on the faces of so many families who have also come for a word of grace, I inhale deeply the unique peacefulness that comes when so many faithful people are hushed together in reverence.

The Gospel is proclaimed.  Matthew 6:24-34.  And as the words are read, a slow smile spreads across my face.  Here is the message God wanted me to hear today.

Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your lifespan? (verse 27)

 I resist the urge to elbow those around me who are bona fide "worrywarts" and remember that, today, these words are especially for me.

So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?'...

Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. (verses 31 and 34)

Father begins his homily by saying, "Jesus is telling us to stop worrying!"  The words are so simply profound I cannot help but get the message.  Father goes on, his long green robes swinging as he approaches our side of the church, "But how are we to do that?"   He then explains the following three steps to a worry-free life:

1.  Trust God to provide. 

~  We pray give us this day our daily bread - not this week or this year's bread.  

~  Refocus on God and less on your daily needs.

2.  Live each day for God.  

~  Wake up each morning and thank Him for this day.

~  Seek God in each person that you meet.

~  At night, thank God for the day and give Him all the worries since He's up all night anyway.

3.  Seek everlasting life.  
~  Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you besides. (verse 33)

~  Know what you can change, what you cannot, and the difference between the two.    

I feel a hand reach for mine.  Warm, strong fingers twine with mine and squeeze.  He knows my heart.  He knows I needed to hear this message.  All is well, all will be well.  Don't worry.  Be happy.

Join Elizabeth Foss in pondering sacrifice.