My mother-in-law used to have a profound saying, “Don’t put up your umbrella before it rains.”
If you are a person prone to worry, and I am a mother so I am an expert in that field, this simple statement speaks volumes.
I love deeply and can choose to worry deeply, as well. I can worry about things that potentially might happen, many of which never come to fruition or I can evaluate past experiences, searching for better solutions. What words should I have spoken? What should I have done? Both approaches are quite exhausting and often fruitless.
It’s funny how the things we can choose to worry about aren’t even a memory for other people. The matter has been resolved in their minds and they’ve moved on. Why can’t I?
What I am learning is that not everyone is as sensitive as I am. People don’t always respond to experiences the same way and I have a choice as to how I respond. I could continue to belabor present and past challenges or I could accept that my efforts to love people are genuine and I could release the burden of carrying issues. It’s my decision.
I’ve also learned that I am not in charge of the universe. There are things that only God can do. So, I choose to trust that God sees my heart to love people to the best of my human ability and He is going to do what only He can do to enter into every relationship and guide me through this incredible journey called life.
Lowering the Umbrella,
Carol Marchant Gibbs
Stories Changing Lives