By Pat
Last night we got some snow, a very heavy, wet snow. I went out in the morning armed with my shovel and began the daunting task of clearing the driveway and also the road we share with neighbors, but after a very short time, I knew this would be no easy chore. The snow was like concrete, and after a while it became clear to me that I would be shoveling for quite some time and I became discouraged. I looked at the area I had done, but it was so small compared to what was still ahead of me. And so, slowly and painstakingly I continued on, and I discovered that if I kept myself focused on what I was doing and what I had finished rather than on what was still to be done, I felt more able to continue on with confidence that I would be able to finish. But in looking at what was still before me, I wanted to simply give up, thinking I would never get it all done.
It's easy for me to allow the same mentality to overtake me in my daily life. I look too much at the future, worrying and wondering how I will pay certain bills...or will I someday find a new career? Will my husband finally find a new and better job? Will my business pick up? Will my learning-disabled granddaughter learn the things required of her, and will she have friends? What is God's plan for me"? The future is uncertain... tomorrow is not promised.
Jesus warns us not to worry. In Matthew 6:27, he says, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" And in verse 34, he tells us, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own." He knew that by focusing too much on tomorrow and the problems that may lie ahead, we hinder our ability to cope successfully with today, and to live the way God wants us to, trusting in Him fully and completely. We diminish the trust we should have for God by fretting about the issues we will face in our futures. God already has the future, and can take care of our problems much more competently that we ever could.
And so, again I will remind myself to live for today only. By looking too far ahead, I see only the troubles I will have to face and the obstacles I will have to overcome. But by focusing on today and glancing behind me occasionally for perspective, I can see what God has done for me and will continue on with faith, knowing God will get me through by providing for my needs...one day at a time.
Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.