Today, as I was sitting in mass (I’ll admit, my mind wandering a bit as I tried to split my focus between the adorable baby cooing in my lap and Jesus in front of me- I console myself with the idea that Jesus would approve of the distraction), I heard my favorite passage: Matthew 6:25. It’s funny because I had just been discussing it and could swear I heard it recently but I must have needed it again. When I heard the words, I closed my eyes and listened.
“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”
As someone who deals regularly with anxiety and the overwhelm of balancing everyday life as a mother to four, there is something beautiful about Matthew’s words. They speak to my heart and remind me that today’s worries though real, pale in comparison to the promises of true life with God. They remind me that we are not defined by our net worth or the fancy car that sits in our three car garage (though the latter would be nice- I don’t think anyone would call my crumb filled mini van fancy, nor could you fit even one car in our cluttered garage).
Yes, my husband and I must work to feed and clothe our children. Yet, when I’m stressing about the ever present medical bills (is it just me or is there always something?) or the ever growing grocery list, it’s good to remember: God provides. It may not always be easy. It may not always be naturally abundant (I have gone through seasons of not being able to buy the extras and you know what? It was okay. I was happy). Times will be hard. That’s life. Through it all, the one thing that keeps my head above water, is the idea that God knows all and in His providence He will provide.
As a mother, there is always something to worry about. I still go in to check on little breathing chests when nap time extends a little too long. I worry about them when they have play dates- every exaggerated wail brings visions of broken bones or split heads. I worry about homeschooling- will the five year old ever learn her letters and is the eight year old falling behind in history? Will the two, almost three year old, be in diapers ’til college (my mom assures me he will not)? I take solace in this:
“Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.”
Truer words have never been written. So, I’ll embrace today- sticky little fingers of a lollipop covered toddler and all.
Matthew 6:25-34
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life?
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith?
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, `What shall we eat?’ or `What shall we drink?’ or `What shall we wear?’
For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.
