Learning to Trust in His Love and Learning to Quit Worrying

Thought I'd post briefly about how our household is doing regarding our struggles following my nephew's job loss.

I have to smile at times like these, as unlikely as it sounds. In spite of our grave worries, the Lord seems to bless us with just enough funds or other resources at just the moment we need it.

Now, this should be enough to make me serene and calm and trusting and faith-filled, right?

I'm afraid that I am just a mere mortal, a human who is still prone to worry while waiting for God's supplies to arrive.

I pray. And I wait. And I worry.

Just when I think I've reached the end of the line, the Lord throws me a few more inches of rope.

I am not ungrateful. In fact, I am just the opposite. I am filled with gratitude. I am awed by the timing of his blessings.

Likewise, I am ashamed that I even allow worry into my life.

But, human that I am, worry creeps in.

Dear Father, thank you so much for carrying us in your mighty hands during this trying time, and thank you for your blessings. Bless all those who have helped us and please bless them abundantly. Also, please continue to send me the grace I need to relax a bit more and to remember that you always come through for us.

End of First Week of Lent

This morning I had planned to write my thoughts about the end of the first week of Lent and then something happened today that pushed that out of my mind.

I had planned to share how much I love looking around the Las Vegas area this time of year. The mountains ringing our valley and the desert landscape that is still visible here and there throughout the city always makes me think of Christ's journey.

I can visualize his feet being dusty from the sands he walked through. I can easily imagine him trying to climb the mountains. At this point, a week after he began his retreat and prayers, he would surely have been deep into the wilderness and solitude. The lack of people would have helped him concentrate on the mission ahead of him.

It is easier for me to feel a kinship with him out here in the western surroundings. When I lived back east, for the first 40 years of my life, it was always in major cities or tourist cities. Back then, I had to work hard to picture his travels. But not here - here it is easy for me.

Then, mid-day, my nephew got a call from his job. His manager told him he was being "let go."

We had sort of expected this. He's been there about 7 months. About two months after he began the job, ownership changed hands. Typically, in a lot of small businesses, particularly the hospitality or restaurant types, this means a change in personnel as well. We've been grateful that he has been kept on for so long.

Frightening as this is for us, financially, I have this other feeling in the back of my mind. I have seen, many times, how the Lord cuts us loose from one activity, job, or undertaking, only to free us for something he has planned for us, something that is coming down the road. I am trying to be upbeat about this and not lose even one grain of faith.

I do admit that I am having a hard time keeping to my Lenten promise of giving up chocolate. I am pretending I do not see the little cup of mini-York patties on the kitchen counter (my nephew's "stash") or the two single mini-Reese's peanut butter cups in the closet. This latest wrinkle in our lives is a big one and so far, I have avoided the chocolate.

Father, I cannot wait to see what wonderful changes you have in store for this humble household. Be gentle with us, please, during this time. We are not saints but our faith is honest and we await the unfolding of your plans.

Worrying about Worry - Prayer is the Answer

I had planned to write about something else today, but for some reason, "worry" and "prayer" kept coming back to my mind. Then I saw an email from Guideposts. I have signed for a few of their regular inspirational emails. I have always loved Norman Vincent Peale's attitude.

Today, one verse in their Power of Prayer email caught my eye:
Let not your heart be troubled. John 14:1

I clicked a link in that email and was led to a page that I have to share with you. I'm sure that on this page, each of you will find at least one thought to help you through whatever troubles you are currently worried about.

Mostly, I wrote this one for me, too, today. Our household might finally be on a smoother financial path, but the way is still rocky and I stumble and fall when I worry. I do have faith, but I also fret.

When I worry, I freeze and then I get nothing accomplished. Prayer is my answer, my solution. When I pray, I am taking action. Whether my prayer is answered in the way I hope, or whether God just tells me to relax while he works on the issue, at least I have moved along. Moving along is what I am aiming for.

Dearest Lord, thank you for all the people in the world who, like me, believe in you and trust in you. Together, we prove that there is hope in our world and hope for our world. Meanwhile, help me to remember that I am not alone in my troubles and that mine are not the worst. Bless us all, those who believe in you, and especially those who do not.