Endless Causes For Worry

What is new is that we are set free from the compulsions of our world and have set our hearts on the only necessary thing. What is new is that we no longer experience the many things, people, and events as endless causes for worry, but begin to experience them as the rich variety of ways in which God makes his presence known to us. Henri Nouwen

The endless list of things that worry and concern us.

• Jason’s health. Several eczema/viral/asthma outbreaks and countless visits to hospitals and doctors in the past few years, his health is perhaps the most unsettling cause for worries about the future.
• Susan’s health. Though she hardly ever gets sick and has no health history, there’s now the genetic factor. Both mom and sister had cancer. Sister had a very aggressive form of cancer. Sister died at the age of 32.
• Our kids. How could we possibly even think about having kids? Our children will very likely inherit the propensity to develop allergies like Jason and cancer like their grandmothers and aunt.
• Our jobs. We’ve had to take so much sick leave and unpaid leave this past year. How much longer and how many more times will our bosses and managers be understanding?
• Our niece. Our baby niece, who’s almost one and a half, will grow up without a mother. Though she’s loved by many, it’s not the same as motherly love.
• Health care in China. Does China have the resources, facilities, expertise, and skills to handle our health needs?
• Diet in China. What are we eating? Who knows what’s in the food that we eat. Where can we find organic, kosher, non-GMO, and/or Jason-friendly food in China?
• Aging and sick family members.

And the list goes on and on. Many things concern and worry us. The future looks scary. Our hearts are burdened by many things.

Do Not Worry

The Bible teaches us not to worry about tomorrow. There’s more to life than worrying about things that we have no control over. Easily said but in practice, what does that look like? We are no saints.

That is why we are doing Lent together this year so that we can focus on the things that truly matter.

As Nouwen said, “What is new is that we no longer experience the many things, people, and events as endless causes for worry, but begin to experience them as the rich variety of ways in which God makes his presence known to us.”

Choose Life

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life . . . Deut 30: 19-20

We can either focus on dying or we can choose life.