Worrying has become such a part and parcel of our daily life that a life without worries seems not only impossible, but even desirable. We have a suspicion that to be carefree is unrealistic and–worse–dangerous. ~Henri J.M. Nouwen
Worry is a kind of spiritual bulimia. Like its physical counterpart, worry disorders our lives and does violence to our well-being.
- By forcing our thoughts to dwell on the what-if’s just around the bend,
- we empty the present moment of its power and provision,
- and reject our precious allotment of grace.
As a young adult, the pressure to possess, to perform, and to plan obsessively for any potential calamity became the air I breathed. One day I received a gift, Making All Things New: An Introduction to the Spiritual Life by Henri J.M. Nouwen, one of many books God has intentionally scattered on my path.
What are the enemies of the spiritual life, a life in which all things are made new? Nouwen begins with busyness and worry–the occupations and preoccupations that fill up our present and crowd out the future before we even arrive.
Hummingbird Rest
My eyes are drawn to the hummingbird feeder hanging just outside my window. From here I can watch the diving, sparring and sipping of these lively birds. On a rare day a brave little one, relaxed and unguarded, will still its beating wings and rest. As the bird leans forward to guzzle the sweet nectar, I hear the invitation, “This is what I long for from you. Stop fluttering, be still, drink deeply of me.”
But what does that mean for me, or for you, who live in such uncertain times? How do we move from a life of distraction and concern for what might come, to one of grateful feasting and renewal right where we are?
6 replies on “Why Worry?”
This is all so very true. Our culture would probably say that you’re irresponsible if you don’t worry…the insurance industry is built around this premise. Since I’m a planner I like to make predictions and plan for contingencies. God has been teaching me to realize that (1) times have always been uncertain and (2) all of the situations that I ever worried over got resolved one way or another. Even if things didn’t work out the way I wanted them to I was still able to move on.
Great perspective! And we do worry about those who don’t worry–very counter-cultural. Thank you!
Written just for me! I have moments where I stop my fluttering and drink deeply, but then am back to the constant beating of my wings. It’s quite exhausting.
May you find moments of carefree rest today, Mary Beth!
Thank you so much for posting this today. Father’s timing was, as usual, perfect – my daughter is in Honduras doing some wonderful work with the poorest of the poor. Her team is being accompanied by armed guards as the situation is pretty precarious. On top of that, we are out of communication with her until she returns next Monday – so, indeed, this message was PERFECTLY timed, don’t you think? g. xoxo
Yes, Gail! I will pray for your daughter–what an opportunity!