Don’t Worry | Guest Post by Carey Bailey

Jump, jump, and laugh.
Jump, jump, and giggle.
Jump, jump, and ouch!

My kids have fallen in love with jumping on the bed. They love it and I…well, I worry. I worry someone will fall off the end, that heads will “bonk” too hard, or that a bone will get broken.
I could tell them “no more monkeys jumping on the bed” but I have never been able to let go of this quote.

“If you can’t bounce on your bed at nine years old, when can you? Before you know it, you not only stop bouncing on your bed, you stop skipping, you stop playing hide-and-seek, you stop playing” Dangerous Wonder, Michael Yaconelli

While the job of protector is a role in our “mother” job description there is a fine line between protecting our children and worrying about our children. Deep in me I don’t want my motherly worry to infect my children.

I want them to…
run,
jump,
adventure,
risk,
dare to dream,
and sail great seas.

But most of all I don’t want them to realize what my worry means.

My worry is an attempt to have control over situations that are not mine to control.
What if my husband was in a horrible car wreck? What if my children were injured at preschool? What if I pour energy into things that are a big fat FAIL? What if?

The “what if” scenarios should really be replaced with “so what?”
So, what if my husband was in a horrible car wreck today?
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

So, what if I pour energy into things that are a big fat fail?
 “He must increase, but I must decrease” John 3:30

So, what if something unexpected happen to my children?
 “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

His Word says “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.” Matthew 6:25 Jesus doesn’t want us worrying. He wants us knowing that He has got us in the palm of His hand through the joys and through the pains.
Since worry seems to come naturally to moms what should we do about it? Here are three ways I would like to encourage you.

1.      Don’t fake it! We can put on a happy face and pretend life is always full of dusty pink roses but what is reality? Sharing your worries with friends is one way to disarm them. Be certain to have a small group you can be vulnerable with.

2.     Keep your eyes open. When you find yourself worrying take a break. Look at all that God has provided, take a walk in nature, sing a silly song, or blow bubbles to remember your joy.

3.      Memorize scripture.  Scriptures etched in your heart can help you ward off  the worry bug. Choose God’s Word first thing in the morning so that you are ready to tackle the day.

What helps you keep worry at bay? Let’s share ideas.