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

              I am a planner. My eyes are frequently focused on what lies ahead. Most of the time, this manner of living brings me a sense of control and peace. But there are also instances where my penchant for getting my flight plan in order produces butterflies in my stomach.

              Yesterday, I was speaking with a person who recently had experienced successive bits of bad news about the tenuous health of a loved one interspersed with brief moments of hope. This emotional rollercoaster led her to imagine the next adverse situation her family may encounter. The pressure of dealing with the present difficulties that confronted her mixed with any potential  challenges her loved one might face was overwhelming.

               Yet here’s what I know. People are most likely to be unhappy when their mind starts to wander and ruminate on anxious thoughts. Conversely, most folks are most at ease when they are engaged and focused on the moment at hand. This process centering one’s mind on the present is called mindfulness.

              Please don’t misunderstand me. I am not suggesting that you ignore your problems or pretend they don’t exist. Some matters are urgent and require your immediate attention.

              However, Jesus claimed that each day has enough trouble of its own. Few of us have the mental capacity to combine today’s problems with those that may or may not come tomorrow. Looking at the world as it is, rather than how it might be, is the pathway toward stilling one’s fears. Author, Amit Ray, writes, “If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.”

              I have a little box that I keep in my briefcase. I call it my “For Later Consideration” box. When I encounter a problem or challenge that I cannot resolve in any given moment, I write the concern down on a piece of paper and place it in the box. Then I close the box with the following prayer:

Jesus, I’m not certain how to handle this matter at the present time. So, I am leaving  the concern for you to consider first. And before I open the box tomorrow and consider the problem for myself, I trust that you will have prepared and equipped me to meet the challenge at the right time and not a moment before. Amen.