Don't be afraid of what you don't know
“You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.” Thomas Merton
Where are we going? How are we getting there? Do you know where to park? How long will this take? Are we going to be late?
When you have kids in the car, questions like these come relentlessly, piling on like bad habits.
What are you so worried about? Don't you trust me?
My patience thins as I spell out my request.
Don't. Be. So. Afraid.
While the need for reassurance is easy to spot in kids, these habits often translate into our grownup psyche and leak out in the form of worry.
Money worries. Job worries. Health worries. Relationship worries.
These are big, important buckets in our lives, but worry doesn't help them. It doesn't change the past, alter what's current, or improve the future. In fact, the older I get, the more I realize how much worry wastes my time, adding absolutely zero, nada, zilch, to my life.
Every moment is either a challenge or an opportunity. The real decision is whether we will decide to face the challenges with boldness and move in courage or whether we will spend our time fretting.
Sometimes it doesn't feel like a choice, but on my best days, I realize worry is always optional.
How will you face your challenges this week?