The Bigger Picture

A few days ago, I wrote a blog post titled "It's Only Money." Upon further consideration, I realized that I may not have explained it well.  

The phrase "It's Only Money" holds a deep meaning for me as it underscores the idea that, although money is necessary, it should not overshadow life's greater priorities. While money certainly has its place, becoming overly fixated on it may cause us to overlook the more significant and meaningful aspects of life - the things that are part of the bigger picture.

Once Upon a Time I was a young wife, I struggled to make ends meet, trying to pay the gas bill and put food on the table while dealing with the challenges of having an alcoholic husband. During those difficult times, I often turned to my husband's mother for support, sharing my fears and frustrations with her. However, her response always struck a nerve. She would simply say, "It's Only Money." This lack of empathy and understanding left me feeling even more upset and alone. I longed for her to acknowledge the hardship my three little ones and I were enduring because of her son's actions and offer some financial assistance. When I think back on that, it was selfish of me to think I was entitled to be rescued by his mother. 

After that, I started going to Al-Anon meetings, and it didn't take me long to understand that my attempt to maintain a "controlled" life filled with worry and anxiety was futile. I realized that I had no ability to change him, but I could definitely change myself. A year later, we ended up getting divorced. By that time, I had already launched my own home daycare, showing that I was taking proactive steps to alter my circumstances. All the anxiety and worry from the past had only served to paralyze me, preventing me from taking any constructive action.

Years later, I remarried, and then tragedy struck when my eldest son passed away unexpectedly. This heart-wrenching experience made me realize the true significance of that particular saying and brought me back to a time when I believed, "If I only had more money..."

The loss of a loved one and poor health are things we are powerless over, while earning more money is something within our control. 

Whenever I face a difficulty, I assess it based on my personal principles and beliefs before deciding on a course of action. It's just the way I process things - so that I won't jump to conclusions and start to worry about things that I have absolutely no control over. 

 No one's dead 

 No one is dying

 It's not the end of the world

The certainty of these events cannot be prevented, regardless of the vast wealth one may possess. Whether we like it or not, these circumstances will eventually touch every one of us. 

Money won't bail us out of life's struggles. But there is One who can lead us out of worry and anxiety over things that are not in our realm of control. Some say, "It's too hard," "I just can't," or "it's the way I am." 

You can change it if you want to. If you already have a close personal relationship with Jesus, then you should turn it over to Him. He tells us not to worry, so why worry? Worrying shortens your life. That's how important this is. 

I feel heartbroken when I learn someone is paralyzed with worry and anxiety. I understand because that was me at one time. We have the perfect fix if we choose to surrender it all to God (like we're supposed to). It is not our job to worry. 

I wish that for all of you. 

Just Trying to Help, 

Debby

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

Psalm 94:19

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 

 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 

 Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.   Matthew 6:34

 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 

 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19