I read a quote today…

‘The more concerned you are with things you CAN’T control, the less you will do to improve the things you CAN control.’

It made me reflect on all the things that I consider to be ‘stressing me out’ at the moment. For example, this summer holiday we have deliberately set aside time for decorating several rooms in our new house. This has meant NO holidays away and time to focus on the house. Since then we have come up against some unexpected hindrances: damp coming through the chimney breast in the back bedroom, the new sink for the bathroom not fitting properly and the plumber having to wait until he’s back from a two week holiday to fit it, two of the rooms needing plastering and the plasterer not being able to come for three weeks… the list goes on.

All these things (and more) cause me to feel under so much pressure. I controlled what I could by setting aside time this summer holiday for all this decorating that needed doing, but all of that has been hindered by several things that are completely out of my control!

So why do I get ‘stressed out’ when I know nothing can be done about the situation? I end up getting so worked up that I can’t function and get on with the things that I CAN control. Such as hanging out the washing, hoovering, watering the plants or even fun things like making jam or meeting up with friends.

It also reminds me of a Scripture in the Bible, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough worries of its own.” Matthew 6:34. But the verse right before says, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you” Matthew 6:33

If I seek God’s Kingdom by making Him King of my life, He can be in of control all those things I can’t control and then I can be free of anxiety.

But will I? Can I?

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