Stop Worrrying

 

It is not easy for me to stop worrying.  I worry about everything:  Being late, being early, having money, not having enough money, work, school, the cars, the phone, the bills.  You name it, I have probably worried about it. 

It is sad to me to even try to think about how much of my life has been spent in worrying.  My stomach in knots, but brain whirling, my heart beating fast.  I think I may worry just a little too well!

Take this week for example; I have an 18 year old teen.  She is a really good girl.  However, she went to see a friend in Holbrook.  The road there is a good one, but there are way too many accidents along it late at night.  I planned on her being home by 9:00.  In reality, it was after 1:00 in the morning when she came in.  She did text, so it is not like I didn't know where she was or what was going one, but I couldn't sleep. 

Finally, after tossing and turning, I went out on the couch and watched a TV show.  I stayed up until she arrived home (safe at last!) and then was up for about 40 minutes later to get my anxiety under control.  Six hours of sleep later, and it was time to get up to start the Sabbath day. 

I was exhausted!  Then 6 hours of sleep Sunday night and back to work.  After a very long day (about 14 hours) I came home and finally went to sleep at 9:00 again, only to wake up at 3:00AM to worry and not go back to sleep.  I really have to find a way to stop this!!

Worry is not my friend. 

I know this quote is true, even if it is so hard for me to remember.  I have seen the Lord's hand in my life when things don't work out the way I always planned they would. 

I had so many dreams as a child.  Ones where I was a surgeon, or a rocket scientist, or an astronaut.  I dreamed things that did not come true.  Somehow, I never saw myself quite where I am today.  Yet in all my dreams, I could never have seen the blessings that I would be given instead.  I think that I am right where I need to be.  So, when plans don't work out, when the road is uphill, when everything and everyone seems to conspire against you, have faith.  I believe the Lord's plans for us are so much bigger than anything we could dare to dream. 

 

Stand Where it is Shining

A few years ago, we were camping on the Rim and it was pretty cold.  Even with the camp fire blazing, the air was chilly.  One of the girls was complaining about how cold she was, and her bother told her that if she wanted to be warm, she needed to go stand in the sunshine.  So she did, and she warmed up and spent the rest of the day happily playing in the crisp mountain air. 

I wonder how often I forget in my own life, that if I want to feel the light on my face, I need to stand where it is shining.  It doesn't do me any good to stay indoors, or sit in the shade.  If I want the light in my life, I need to bask in it.  I think the Savior works the same way for us.  If we want to feel His light in our lives, we need to stand in His influence.  We need to do what is right, we need to read and listen to His words, we need to obey His commandments. 

We all have times that we question and struggle, He has never told us not to question things, but in with the questions, we still have to be willing to step into His light.  We have to give Him the chance to answer. 

When I think of the way the Savior dealt with questions during His life here upon the earth, I don't recall an instance where he turned anyone away.  He might have sat and thought about it for a moment.  He might have given an answer that they did not want to hear, or that they did not understand at that time, but He always answered them. 

He does the same thing today.  I have received many answers to prayer.  Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes it is no, and sometimes it is not this moment.  Sometimes I don't want the answer I am given, especially when it is painful.  But there is still an answer if I am willing to hear it. 

He wants to be part of our lives.  He suffered for our sins.  He knows our names.  He loves each and every one of us, but if we want Him in our lives, we have to walk into His light.  When we do, He will be there waiting.  His light will touch our hearts, and bring peace to our troubled minds.  His light will be the light in the darkness that cannot be hid.  It will enfold us in the arms of His love. 

Answers at the Beach

I am convinced that we are all looking for answers to something, but often, we just don't know where to look to find those answers.  I am also convinced that sometimes we need to think a little outside our usual box of life.  I love the ocean.  The waves crashing and breaking on the beach.  The sound of the seagulls and the wind that blows off the water.  I love the smells and the tranquility.  I pretty much love everything about the beach (unless it is crowded).  I think the point I am trying to make is that instead of being filled with anxiety and worry, maybe we should look for our answers in a place that provides us with feelings of peace. 

I know that when I am in a quiet place, those answers are more likely to come into my mind than when I am rushing and hurrying through my day without taking the time I need to meditate on my problems.  Although I don't live close to a beach, I do live close to the forest, the creeks and the lakes in the area.  I have quiet places in the beautiful outdoors.  I have a kayak to paddle to see the eagles soar.  My heart can still hear the beach inside myself when I take me out of the hustle and bustle of the world. 

I think that we CAN find answers at the beach.  And if by chance we don't, we can at least calm our minds and bring peace to our spirits by taking the time to rejuvenate our thoughts and hearts.  As I go through counseling this year, one of the many things he is trying to teach me is to do something for myself, even if it is only to go to the local park and eat my lunch. 

I am discovering that, as I do something as simple as that, I find within myself and spot of beach.  A place where I can rest and relax and escape.  A place of ponderings.  A place of peace. 

So, my challenge to you today is to find your own spot on the beach, even if you can't get to the real one, find a place of quiet and contentment.  Find a place to think and dream and ponder and pray. 

Find your own small spot of peace.