Worry About What Matters

   “Don’t spend your energies on things that generate worry, anxiety and anguish.  Only one thing is necessary:  Lift up your spirit, and love God.”  (St. Padre Pio)

   We want to be successful.  We seem to have an innate desire to succeed in whatever we do.  This is a good thing; it helps us focus on self-improvement in our life.

   The problem we face is in choosing that in which we wish to succeed.  Chasing rainbows that can never be obtained is not a path to success but one of frustration and disappointment.  We need to choose a goal which is not only achievable but worthy of our efforts.  One in which success truly brings happiness.  Success of this kind can only be found with God.

   Jesus said, “Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?” (Matt: 6: 27).  We can’t benefit by worrying about the things of this world.  In fact, we can do ourselves great harm by focusing our concerns on things that do not matter rather than the only thing that does; love of God.

   Certainly we have the responsibility to do those things which are necessary for our well-being and that of our family.  But far too often we spend our time and effort worrying about our daily needs and neglect our eternal life.  All we gain in life is lost in the blink of an eye upon our death.  No matter what we have acquired it will belong to someone else when we pass from this life.  The only treasure worth our concern is the one we build in heaven.

   When all is said and done, and we stand before the judgement of our Lord He won’t ask where we lived or what car we drove.  He will ask only if we have loved God and our neighbor.

Lord, help me seek those things that lead me to you.

Show me the path to eternal happiness.

Let me see the waste of worrying over earthly matters.

Let me have concern only for serving you.

Amen