Shaping Worries

EARLY SUNDAY MORNING, I shuffled onto the backyard deck for a little while. I was finally away from the office, the glaring overhead lights, the computer demanding I change my password . . . again . . . so I can handle the demands awaiting me in the mailbox. “This is just what I needed to look at.” Then, I lifted my eyes to the gray sky and the chatter of the birds calling and answering each other. What a relief it was from the droaning chatter of humans for eight hours. But what stole my attention was the subtle sound of a breeze as it meandered through the tops of the tallest trees. Eventually, the feel of a soft wind kissing my face in waves ever so gently, first one way then the next, made me relax my shoulders and finally exhale so slowly. I closed my eyes and whispered, "Thank you !"

And the next thing out of my mouth? "I’m tired,” I moaned. I really need to reshape my life. There's too much busyness going on and not enough new growth. The early summer plants displayed with aplomb what it looks like to begin again. I could see the wisdom of their choice.

But, after a time of stillness, I began to think about things heavy on my mind:

The work week begins again tomorrow. I have deadlines awaiting. I don’t know how to do some of the things I must. I worry.

Last week, I challenged (in person) an enormous rise in my property taxes. "Board of Equalization, indeed!" The name alone is borderline hate speech. A mockery of justice. And their fair decision was on their lips before I spoke my last word! Ultimately, all that preparation and presentation was wasted energy, as our voices were simply not heard. What a waste of a precious vacation day. I can now better relate to our forefathers' war cry, “No taxation without representation!” Sigh. Bet they’ll listen to the attorney. Our government needs reshaping as well.

On my way to dinner yesterday evening, as I awaited the traffic light to change to green, I noticed something that humbled me. A man whom I judged to be homeless, drenched in sweat under the Georgia heat, appeared so downcast. His head was bowed in the heat afrom the thick humid air as he awaited the next bus, in a wheelchair, at a bus stop.

About an hour later, while finishing my meal, that same man passed by right in front of me as he navigated around chairs and tables in tight formation toward a rendezvous with his friends and family a couple of tables away. I was humbled. They were so glad to see him. He was a dad and a granddad, I learned, as his beautiful children called out to him, "We've been waiting for you! It took him an hour in the heat, one mile away, to make it to his reunion. "Looks like this life on Earth could use a little reshaping," I muttered.

On the way home, I learned of a dear friend suffering from a terminal health condition. It was more than my weary ears could bear. Is there no hope for good?

The bright spot of the week had been the first birthday party of my precious granddaughter. What a joy to spend time with family and love on the little ones!

While I thinking of all of this, I was suddenly brought back to the present by a stronger breeze made, a powerful, rushing sound, causing me to look up at the towering bent trees and bushes. That sound of the Spirit reminded me of the scripture commanding everyone to shape our worries into prayers—followed by another scripture—“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” So, what was I to do?

Only as I was instructed.

It is simply amazing to me how much a few words and scenes from the Creator can shape one's outlook and direction. God has many wise and power-packed ways to return our minds and hearts to where they should be. After I prayed for every item and person on my worry and depression list, I decided to write.

Who knows? Maybe someone reading this story needs to hear this today.

Here's a suggestion to lift any day: listen to God after still, quiet moments of meditation. Recall His words. Do as he asks.

Afterward, I read a post from an old friend. You'll find his reference in the Gospel of Matthew. "Heaven and earth" (and everything the earth throws at us) "WILL pass away, but MY WORDS WILL NEVER PASS AWAY."

Copyright 2023 Gary Landerfelt mypericope.com