I have a tendency to be a worrier. I worry about problems a lot of the time, and it can be hard for me to have perspective. (I think it might be hereditary.) Whatever the source, I’m interested in having a bit more hope and faith, and I think it’s quite possible for me to change.
I was thinking this weekend about a lot of problems that I’ve worried about over the past year that have resolved themselves successfully. Here’s a quick list of things I _was_ worried about — but didn’t need to be, as it turned out.
(I know that plenty of people go through these things, by the way, and by no means am I gloating or taking anything for granted!)
* that we would have another miscarriage
* that Lucy would have more than the recommended number of limbs
* that Lucy would have fewer than the recommended number of limbs
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Photo: “Let’s see: one, two, three, four….”
* that Lucy would arrive too early
* that Lucy would never arrive at all
* that Lucy would require major medical encouragement to leave my womb
* that I wouldn’t be able to handle labor
* that breastfeeding would always hurt
* that I would give up on breastfeeding
* that I wasn’t making enough milk
* that Lucy wouldn’t gain enough weight
* that I would never get any sleep
* that Lucy would become addicted to a pacifier
* that we would have to “take Lucy for a drive”:/news/2006/road-warrior/ every night to get her to fall asleep
* that Lucy would scream every time we drove her somewhere
So there’s something going on here. God answers prayers, friends help a lot, and we have a terrific baby! And we’ve also been given a measure of grace sufficient for the hard things we have had to face.
It is good for me to remember these past problems — they give me perspective for my current worries (like worrying that Lucy will never be able to put herself to sleep, or that we won’t want to have another baby someday). I think there is hope for me yet!
Unless I start worrying about always being a worrier. :)
You are not alone! I worry a lot too. I’ve been convicted lately about having a grateful heart. When I get discouraged, I try to remember what I have to be thankful for … and really, I have a lot that I can celebrate. And just looking at this list, so do you. :)
Oh, and check your email. I sent you a note.
Amen – preach it Ann. :)
I have many of the same worries about Abby. Especially the whole sleep thing. Just ask Dan. :) But as you say, time gives perspective and somehow these things sorted themselves out despite our worrying. I am still so glad that you are there going through so much of the same junk that I am going through here. Cheers to our husbands who listen to us worry about the same things numerous times and the God of Isaiah 40!