Sunday, May 24, 2009

Sunday Scribblings #164 -- Worry!

"...do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'[...] do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things." Matt. 6:31 & 34 (NKJV) (italics mine)

When I read this week's prompt was worry, I immediately thought of my mother, the consummate worrier. I think her name is synonomous with worry. Now, my mom is a good Christian lady who faithfully reads her Bible each day. However, I am concerned her Bible must be missing the above scriptures, for she certainly has not heeded these words.

I will admit that some worry can be good, but only in small doses and only when used to produce positive behavior changes. But most worry is unhealthy, both emotionally and physically, and unproductive.

Worry causes self-induced pain and robs one of happiness. Dictionary.com defines the verb worry as "to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; to fret." I can't imagine why anyone, masochists excluded, would want to torment oneself.

Anyway, back to my dear mother. She worries about some of the most minor things.

"Do you think this corn is ok? The can has a dent. Are you sure it's ok?"

"I was supposed to take my calcium pill 15 minutes ago. Do you think it will be alright to take it now?"

"I shouldn't have eaten that second piece of cake. Do you think I've had too many trans fats today?" (This coming from a 102 pound lady who has low cholesterol, low blood pressure and excellent blood counts).

And every Christmas she feels compelled to announce, "I spent the same on everyone even tho' some of you don't have as many packages." She worries that someone might feel slighted.

I once bought her the book Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, but it didn't seem to help much. She continues to sweat. Meanwhile I am searching for some extra-strength anti-perspirant formulated to protect against the "small stuff."

Me--I try not to worry so much. I'm enjoying a waffle for breakfast as I write this post. It's a homemade waffle, covered with sweetned strawberries and topped with a mountain of flully white whipped cream! Sometimes I worry that I don't worry enough!

Visit Sunday Scribblings to see what others have to say about WORRY

10 comments:

  1. Ah, yes mothers will be mothers. =) I am the one that have children writing this kind of post. We try but it is always something!!!

    b

    ReplyDelete
  2. Children! Why hasn't he/she called? Are they laying dead on the road? More than likely, they are just avoiding a lecture they probably need. Still, I worry. I'm not a chronic worrier, but I worry enough. When you find that "don't sweat the small stuff" antiperspirant, let me know.

    ReplyDelete
  3. OK, Marguerite, I admit it! I'm a worrier! The best advice I've received for it is to live in the present and to drop attachment to the worries. Not that easy, but I try. Because it's a mental activity, you have to re-train your brain. you're so lucky you didn't inherit it! Enjoy your holiday tomorrow. Love, Margaret

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think you can enjoy your waffle because you don't have to worry - your mother is doing a god enough job for both of you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. ahhh.. i need to really follow the bible more and not worry...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hey if you find some of that antiperspirant tell me what it is called so I can get some for me :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. yummmm waffles sound good! sounds like no worries to me :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think you ought to worry about homemade waffles topped with strawberries and whipped cream.
    I think you ought to worry you did not share them with me?...:-))))

    ReplyDelete
  9. maybe our mums need to replace worry with concern? my mum was a worrier, i have tried not to take her worries on myself! your waffle sounded delish! :)
    thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ah, a tough situation. You have my sympathy...well at least you topped this off with that yummy breakfast! :)

    ReplyDelete