Escape the parasite

For years, worry seemed to be the "honourable" way to show care or concern.  It was acceptable and even applauded.  My views of worry shifted dramatically when I read a devotional that compared worry to a parasite, feasting on our negative thoughts.  I don't about you, but that paints a rather shocking picture--something out of a sci-fi movie . . .ewww!

Worry can attack us anytime, anywhere.  It can seem petty (wondering about a job getting paid for, needs being met), or it can feel very serious (will I find a job, get better? Be able to pay my rent?) never-the-less, the results are the same--more emphasis is placed in the problem, instead of the problem solver.  

The bible takes a clear stand on worry.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. (Luke 12:22 NIV)

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55:22 NIV)

So, despite the bible warning us not to worry, why is is we find ourselves falling into worry's trap?  

Perhaps part of the problem is fear of the unknown.  As we were getting rady for our first flight on the journey to Rwanda, the youngest two were excited, confident and ready for the adventure.  They proudly found their seats and settled in for the ride.  It wasn't until we were thundering done the runway and beginning to lift off the ground that my youngest realized that we would be traveling in the air.  As he looked outside at the city lights fading away, he tightly gripped my hand and asked if we would fall out of the sky.  Worry was etched on his face as he tried to blink away tears.  I closed the window shutter and we talked about the pilot, how the plane flew and trusting in God.  In a few hours, he was looking outside.  At the next plane ride, he was looking outside and more excited.  By the last flight, both boys were anticipating take-off, their worry was replaced by trust.  

What about legitimate dangers?  How do we balance wisdom and caution with worry?  We've had to do this.  The first came with driving.  Driving in Rwanda is not relaxing.  It's not the time to lose yourself in a book.  It's honestly the time you probably pray the most!  Very quickly after arriving, Kim took on the role as driver.  I needed to trust in his abilities and trust that God is with me.  Kim does excellent here.  He's watchful, aware and adventurous enough to avoid hazards.  When I start to fret, I remember that traffic accidents occur just as often in Canada . . .

Being sick has been challenging, especially when it was Joel.  Worry welled up quickly and I really needed to keep handing it over to God (casting cares, right?).  God directed us and we stepped out when needed to.  As a result, Joel is completely recovered.  Now I am just getting over being sick.  It's been slow and frustrating, but I know God has been with me.  Was I worried? Honestly, no, I compared it with feeling under the weather in Canada and based my next step off of that.  I still see God is with me.

Perhaps taking a stand against worry has been our family's biggest growth point in being here.  We are learning to not allow the parasite (ugh, just the thought is gross) of worry to attach itself to us.  We are thankful for God's lesson:)

Be blessed today and thank you for your continued prayers and support.  We appreciate you so much!