Maybe it's being the firstborn of four and the frequent reminders to watch out for my brothers. Or it's the perfectionist trait of being a musician. "Do it right or don't do it."
Can you relate? While you look forward to a new beginning and a fresh start, is there a worry track running in the background? What if this year includes job loss, a health scare, or a downturn in the economy? What if your child fails to graduate or the daycare closes? What if there's another world war or a financial meltdown? "Better to be prepared."
Remember that bad news sells better than good news. Whether it's your favorite news channel or the threads on your social media, worry gets more clicks. Don't forget that Fox News, CNN, and CBS are there to make a profit. If they fail to make money, they will cease to exist. Their number one priority is not your mental health. News and social media profit from worry.
Yesterday, we stood in line at the local UPS store to return a few items. The line was long and behind the counter were mounds of packages. On top of that, I could hear the staff discussing problems with software and their internet platform. All around me were the sounds of stress and worry. And we were one of those customers who lacked the right packaging. We were unprepared.
But when it was our turn, the shift manager met us with a smile. She asked a couple of questions and my wife apologized for not having the plastic bag the item came in although we had the return label. In a steady voice she said, "No problem. You're all set. This is the worry-free zone." Then she put her thumb and forefinger together, "Smell it. Enjoy it. Savor this worry-free moment." We walked out with a smile, talking about the power of being a peaceful presence. And for that moment we relished the feeling of the worry-free zone.
There's nothing inherently wrong with preparation. Worry has its place. No good leader fails to prepare. Hard times will come unexpectedly. There will be surprises. The Proverbs remind us to prepare for winter, to save money, and leave an inheritance for our children. But the drive to prepare for the worst with a mind full of worry is no way to live. At the base of such worry is the refusal to accept God's sovereignty and the lordship of Jesus.
Jesus says to His followers, "Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" (Matthew 6:26,27 NLT)
I think the lady at the UPS counter was on to something: "This is the worry-free zone. Savor it." Being prepared is wisdom. But keep worry at bay. Let God be God and be satisfied to be His child. You're more valuable to Him than the birds. Seek His kingdom first and as often as you can today savor the worry-free zone.
