Worrying

February 26, 2017
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” Matthew 6:33-34

Oh gosh. I am such a worrier.
I worry about lots of little things and I worry about big things and I even worry about worrying.
I also worry a lot about tomorrow and what it will bring. I have to keep reminding myself that I need to live in the present moment. Because that is where God is.
When the day is over, all I can do is let go. Ah, but that is the rub isn’t it? We can only let go if we trust. And trusting is not an easy thing to do.
I remember once reading a reflection by Thomas Merton who was writing about a beautiful summer afternoon and he said – “This day will never come again.”
This phrase really grabbed my heart and I have not forgotten it. I am far from knowing how to live it out perfectly, but I try to remember it whenever I realize I am worrying about tomorrow yet again.
Worry wastes the gift of today that God has given us, a day we can never get back. Worry leads us to focus on ourselves rather than focus on God.
Seek God first and the rest will be given to us.
This day will never come again.

Dear Lord, please help me to remember to let go of my worries. Help me to trust in you more, Lord, and to think about myself less. Help me to put you first in all I think, do and say. Amen.