People from every culture, country, and continent swim in the waters of “what if.”
What if I lose my job? What if my child gets sick? What if my marriage struggles? What if my health fails? What if the economy takes a turn? What if something happens that I never saw coming?
We can spend an enormous amount of time worrying about things that haven’t happened—and may never happen.
I was talking with a pastor who told me that one Sunday morning, between worship services, an elder pulled him aside and whispered, “I need to talk to you as soon as possible.”
Typically, that kind of message is not dripping with good news.
My pastor friend dreaded the conversation for two days. His mind raced through all the possibilities. Finally, he reached out to the elder and said, “Let’s talk.” When they did, the elder casually said, “Oh, I just wanted to make sure you knew about so-and-so. That was all. Sorry if I caused you any concern.”
My friend laughed as he told me that every conversation he had imagined in his head was far worse than the conversation that actually took place. Isn’t that how worry works? We create worst-case scenarios and expend enormous amounts of emotional energy rehearsing stories that may never become reality. We borrow trouble from tomorrow and carry it around today.
Perhaps there is a better way than the worry way.
Jesus said, “Do not worry about your life” (Matthew 6:25). Easier said than done, right?
But notice what Jesus does in that passage. He points His listeners toward the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. In essence, He invites them to look around. Pay attention. Notice God’s care. Notice His provision. Notice the beauty already surrounding you.
Maybe we need that reminder too. Especially this time of year.
The air begins to cool. Leaves start changing color. Football returns. Sweaters come out of closets. Soups and chili find their way back onto our tables. Crisp mornings, colorful trees, walks outside, fires in the fireplace, and pumpkin-flavored almost everything. So much life is right in front of us to enjoy.
And yet, if we aren’t careful, we can miss today because we are consumed with what might happen tomorrow.
There is something powerful about deciding where we will allow our minds to dwell. We cannot control everything that happens to and around us, but we can continually redirect our attention toward God—His kingdom, His goodness, His faithfulness, and His presence.
So enjoy the crisp air. Take the walk. Sit a little longer around the table. Notice the changing leaves. Laugh with someone you love. Thank God for what is good today.
Tomorrow will bring whatever tomorrow brings.
