So, fingers crossed, this could finally be the week. Nine months of paperwork have come and gone, and (if all goes smoothly), we might get registered with the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice to begin our official wait. I am so thankful to have made it to this point, but I know the tests of patience are yet to come. I have found myself a little anxious this past week. I’ve have heard the stories of other families waiting for their children from Bulgaria for one…two…three…. long years and still no child in their arms, and I have felt the pain and disappointment in their stories. I have found myself thinking, “What can I do to speed this up? What can I do to make it go faster so that it is easier on me?” And, I’ve been reminded that firstly, I am not in control, and secondly, it isn’t about me. Isn’t it always frustrating when we find out something isn’t about us?!
I’ve spent more time than usual watching the little birds fluttering around our backyard. The little tufted titmouse, the cardinals, the yellow finch , the slew of bluejays, and the red-headed woodpeckers. It’s been interesting to watch their little wings struggle against the strong winter winds, to see them foraging for their next meal. It’s really no wonder that Jesus used these fragile little creatures to teach us an invaluable lesson. He uses some of the smallest in creation to remind us that all our anxious thoughts are in vain. God is in control, and just as He cares for the smallest, how much more will He care for us? He encourages us not to focus on the worries, but to meditate on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, whatever is excellent or praiseworthy.” (Phillipians 4:8) He tells us these are the things that draw us into His peace.
Do not worry about your life. Don’t worry about what you will eat or what you will drink. Don’t worry about how you clothe your body. Living is about more than merely eating, and the body is about more than dressing up. Look at the birds in the sky…
They do not store food for winter. They don’t plant gardens. They do not sow or reap—and yet, they are always fed because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are even more precious to Him than a beautiful bird. If He looks after them, of course He will look after you. Worrying does not do any good; who here can claim to add even an hour to his life by worrying?
Nor should you worry about clothes. Consider the lilies of the field and how they grow…
They do not work or weave or sew, and yet their garments are stunning. Even King Solomon, dressed in his most regal garb, was not as lovely as these lilies.
And think about grassy fields—the grasses are here now, but they will be dead by winter. And yet God adorns them so radiantly. How much more will He clothe you, you of little faith, you who have no trust?
So do not consume yourselves with questions: What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? Outsiders make themselves frantic over such questions; they don’t realize that your heavenly Father knows exactly what you need. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you too. So do not worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Living faithfully is a large enough task for today.
Matthew 6:25-34
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