Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Don't Worry About Tomorrow

In studying Matthew 6 recently I was struck by Jesus' advice to not worry about tomorrow since each day has enough trouble of its own (v. 34).

Even though Jesus planned (sending disciples to prepare the Passover meal) I guess I subconsciously had the silly notion that he meant we shouldn't plan. When I realized he didn't say that it fell into place and now I'm trying to practice it. Works well. I am more relaxed.

So, each day I try - approximately - to follow this formula:

Am I worrying about anything?
  If "no," I relax.
  If "yes," I ask:
    Can I do anything about it today?
      If "yes," I do it, then I relax.
      If "no," I ask: When can I do something about it?
        If "never," then I relax.
        If a specific day, I mark my calendar or make a mental note to do it at that time, then I relax.
        If I don't know, I guesstimate and mark my calendar or make a mental note to reconsider it at that time, then I relax.

Note: When I ask if there is something I can do about it today, that includes planning. Maybe on that day all I need to do is create a plan for how I will approach the problem.

So, am I doing it perfectly? Are you kidding?!