Friday, February 6, 2009

Kick in the Pants

I've been a bit quiet this week and I'm sorry for that. I've been in a bit of funk. I do this sometimes and I have to pull myself out of it. It usually only lasts a few days but unfortunately it's lasted all week.

Like so many people right now, I'm dealing with financial issues and it's got my head spinning. I'm trying to tighten everything I can but it just doesn't seem to be enough. And so I worry, which is the total opposite of what I should be doing.

God doesn't want us to worry, in fact in Matthew 6:25-34 tells us not to worry. Matthew writes that Jesus tells us that God takes care of the birds and clothes the lilies, aren't we so much more valuable? He calls those of us who worry "O you of little faith." And he's so right. If I trusted God, I wouldn't worry. I love the summation at the end, verses 33-34:

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I got a kick in the pants this morning.
I wish I could tell you that I came to the above realization on my own, but I didn't. It took the words of a mother with 10 children, a woman dieing of cancer who wrote of finding joy in the moment. Cindy shames me, as she justly should. She is trying to learn how to live her life in the moment, not looking too far down the road into the future. Shouldn't we all be living like that? I, of all people, should know that there are no guarantees in this life. It could all be gone tomorrow.

Almost 3 years ago today, I was facing a bleak future. No matter how I looked at it, my life and the lives of my children would never be the same. Either Darrell lived, and we faced bankruptcy, the loss of our home and everything we owned, or he died. I chose the former. I took it straight on, was already looking at filing bankruptcy on my own, hoping to spare Darrell the trauma of it all when he finally was aware of his surroundings. And I wasn't worried. How can that be? What I was facing 3 years ago was so much worse than what I'm facing now.

I think worry is actually a symptom. Its a sign that my relationship with God is not what is should be. When we're faced with trauma, its easy to turn to God. We know things are out of our hands. But when times are better, we start to slack off. Years ago, I taught 5-6th grade Sunday school and we were studying Moses and the Israelites flight from Egypt. My kids couldn't understand how the Israelites could see the miracles of God and still not trust and obey later. I shared the class's amazement but I realize that I'm no differnt than those forgetful Israelites. Complacency will get you in the end.

I encourage you to visit the blog Faithful Promises and leave Cindy a comment. Her faith may be strong but its still nice to know others are praying for you. And I encourage you to evaluate your own trust in God. Do you need a kick in the pants like I did?

21 comments:

Sarah said...

I think everyone needs a kick in the pants every now and then.

But yeah, to answer the question, I've been guilty of that lately.

I must have missed some back story, but I'm sorry for what must have been a trying time 3 years ago.

Great post - and verse

Unknown said...

i always find the verses about the lilies of the field the most comforting when i feel overly beset. times are hard financially for so many people. i believe the trick is not to focus on ourselves, but to see how and who we can reach out to. kindness, as my mother likes to remind me, costs nothing.

mommy4life said...

Thanks for the reminder. We all need to get a perspective adjustment from time to time....

Lorie said...

Denise, thanks for the kick in the pants, as I am right there w/ you. It's tough when you worry about the what if's and I am so guilty of that myself, not to mention the what about tomorrows too.

Hope you are feeling better.

Denise Grover Swank said...

Annie, maybe your on to something. Maybe worry isn't only a symptom of our relationship with God but also a sign that we're being self centered. Another conviction**sigh**

Brandy said...

We all need the proverbial kick sometime or another.

This is a great post, and reminder to us all.

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

Ya know Denise...I DO INDEED need a kick in the pants!!!!
Thanks for the reminders!!

Stellan Bracelets said...

Beautifully expressed, Denise. I appreciate that you are willing to share your thoughts and feelings with us, because I believe we're all meant to learn from each other. I love your insight, your willingness to share that like all of us, you fall down too at times, and you look for ways to get up, dust yourself off, and see life in a new perspective.

When I worry about something, I try to remind myself of the "Father" relationship we have with God. For me, I can't relate to "Father" (long story), but I see it as "Mother", it's basically the same. If I, the mother of my children, knew they were going to bed worried about something, spent all week out of sorts and worried, preoccupied and such... I'd want them to come to me, I'd notice, I'd do everything I could to ease their worry, to make them feel better, to provide for them so that they wouldn't worry... You would too, right? That's what God wants to do for us. When I see it from His point of view, as MY "Heavenly Father", I see it in a whole new light, and the worry disappears.

I love, love, love that scripture, it's one of my favorites.



((((((((( hugs ))))))))))

Brandy said...

Okay I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner...but I just clicked on your ads!

Hey every bit helps ya' know?!

cupcakefail said...

Kick in the pants is right!
Thanks for the reality check, Denise!

Unknown said...

The timing of this post is right on! I didn't know about your history of last year, but was curious..thank you for the scripture reminder! God Bless

Janelle said...

Denise,

Hang in there. It really will get better! I spent soooo much time last week worrying about my surgery. I came through it just fine, and now just have to recover. And when I was stressed to the max, you were there for me. If you need to chat or talk about anything, I am here for you. Just let me know. :-)

Anonymous said...

I needed a kick in the pants as I wait for a new court date for our daughters in Ethiopia...the MOWA was moving so we had a cancelled date! :(

The wait continues...
Kathleen G&R July 31 2007 Kaitlyn and Emily...
needing to be patient...

Shell in your Pocket said...

Great thoughts! Okay..I am confused...did Darrell pass???
-sandy toe

Kristin said...

I nneded to read this just now. Thank you.

Denise said...

Thanks Denise...I will be praying for you.
A few months ago our pastor shared that worry was sin ~ouch~ because that showed our lack of trust and faith in Him. I had never thought of it like that before. Philippians 4 6-7 states it perfectly!! Go check it out.

*How are you coming along with 24? Nothing like a night of Jack Bauer to take your mind off of your worries!!

Kristin said...

We must be on the same exact wavelength. Yesterday, I was reading those exact verses. Worry is something I live with. It multiplies until it becomes fear that keeps me from living life. I have only had this fear since my Mom died. It keeps me from going to church, even though I know that going to church is exactly what I need to get rid of the fear. It makes no logical sense at all. I feel like I have faith, but if I did, then I wouldn't be this way, right? I feel so guilty that I have this wonderful life and I'm having a hard time finding joy in it. It's so selfish. I'm taking for granted the gift I've been given of having these moments to live. Thank you for the kick in the pants!

I hope everything gets better for you!!

Margaret M said...

I am thinking about you and praying for you. I am currently at peace which should be unusual given my recent seperation. I am just trusting based on all the information that I have that this is the best thing for me and the children. Will the road be easy? No, I just trust that it will be better than my former way of life. I have to. You are right though in that Crisis brings you closer to God. I do find myself finding many more quiet moments each day to spend in prayer. Hugs from our family to yours.

Unknown said...

Thanks you Denise. I pray that your mood is better, you are such an inspirational person yourself.

Kristy said...

You know Denise, we all need that kick in the pants probably alot more often than we would like to admit to, but knowing that you need it is half the battle. You are there, as I am. You have no idea how this post spoke to me tonight, there has been some things going on in my life that causes me heartache and worry and I have been struggling with that all week. We pray together here, and the prayers are there for me to learn to Let Go and Let God, and as I read your post I started realizing that instead of losing my Mom to Alzheimers , I need to start savoring every moment I have with her, I don't need to worry or dwell on losing her so much because I will miss it, and that I need to give it to HIM. Denise you have no idea how incredible you are. I hope you know how much God loves you. None of us are perfect, but if our hearts are focused on HIM , he knows that. I know that this comment is just a bunch of rambling on , and I apologize for that. You touch me everytime you put your heart out there and again I wish I could just hug you. God bless you always.

Love you, Kristy

RamblingMother said...

thank you for sharing this post and for sharing your story. I am stressed quite a bit too! I will pray for your financial situation!!