Anxious for Nothing - End of Week 1

It's the end of Week 1 and I finished strong!

Five chapters read.  Some of the chapters re-read.

Two days of Bible Study completed - digging deeper into the scriptures.

Posting in two FB forums, one with Babette and one with Rhonda.

Now the tough part...putting it into practice.

As Rhonda shared this morning, she becomes anxious more often that she realizes.  So do I.  I can feel myself tense when I become anxious.  I need to try her technique of breathing slowly in and out to try to focus on the calm.

I listened to Max Lucado this morning, and I enjoy his approach to this topic.  I like his down-to-earth type of delivery, very relaxed and like he is talking just to me.  As much as I enjoy the Proverbs 31 team, all of them them tend to sound alike and write alike.  It was just refreshing to hear a different voice with a different approach.

Trusting the Lord.  Knowing (and remembering) that He is always with me.  Relying on HIm in times that become tense.  Acknowledging that HE is in control, not I! Turning everything over to Him, instead of fretting about it myself.  The big thing for me is this ----relinquishing control.  

For instance - Thanksgiving.  I want it to be nice.  I want everyone to enjoy themselves.  I want it to be a happy day for all, for the food to be good, for the games to create laughter, for it to be a day full of happy memories.

Now look at that.....to me, being nice means that the house is clean, everything is in its place, and the food is plentiful.  How much control do I have over that?  I try to have too much.

I KNOW from past experiences that my nice, neat, tidy house will last for about 10 minutes after people arrive, if that long. I have to remind myself that as long as the house is clean (which it will be) and that there isn't an excess of clutter around (and there won't be) and there are enough places for people to sit (I hope!), it is fine,  but I know that toys will be all over the place, cups will be sitting around on tables and on top of the bookcases, and newspapers will litter the area around the chairs.  It is more important for everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy the company.

I KNOW from past experiences that no one ever goes away hungry at Thanksgiving or at any other food -related event at our house.  Everyone is pitching in by bringing pies and vegetables dishes and relish trays and cheese balls....so why should I be worried?  If anyone is still hungry, it will be his/her own fault!

Family.  That is what is important to the holiday. Being thankful for our blessings.  Remembering those who are not with us to celebrate and welcoming new members to our family.

That is what it is all about. 

Anxious for nothing.  God is in control. And for that I will be eternally thankful!