Winning Words 1/28/11
“Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen anyway.” (Old Farmer’s Advice) One last “word” from the farmer. I think that worry is something that affects all of us at one time or another. It can be about money, health, children, the future. We keep our own list. Lest we become overwhelmed, the O.F. says, “Be realistic.” A Bible verse keeps me on track: Matthew 6:34. ;-) Jack

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: Thank you!!!!! I loved the scripture reference. For some of us worriers, others toss up that being stress-free and worry-free is a mark of strong faith or something--always makes me feel guilty and a failure--just can't seem to attain that level of faith but the scripture says "Today's trouble is enough for today." I find that very comforting. And stress-relieving. I suppose with the old farmer, even though the stuff ain't never gonna happen we heard about it happening to someone else and, if it could happen to someone else it can happen to us, question of sympathy and boundaries. FROM JACK: In my first parish, one of the churches was out in the country. Many members were "old farmers." They were "the salt of the earth," as the saying goes. We need to meet up with more people who help us put our priorities in the right order. MORE FROM SH: Coincidentally, just reading the Jewish News this morning and there is an article "Resolved: Is worry to Jews like cream cheese to bagels?" The article says there is good worry and there is bad worry. If the worry is a problem-solving mechanism, it is good. On the other hand "So the brain can spin out of control, scaring itself (I really like this phrase--brain can scare itself), maybe feeling guilty and ruminating over issues
that are beyond our control. This is the essence of a "bad" worry habit." According to the article, awareness and learning to observe our thoughts gives us the possibility of lessening the grip of obsessive worry. Thanks for today's WW calling our attention to our thinking on this matter. FROM JACK: Good worry and bad worry! I'd never thought of it that way before. I'm going to try and Google the article...or buy the paper.

FROM RI IN BOSTON: Wasn't it Fleetwood Mac that said, "Don't stop thinking about tomorrow"? FROM JACK: You have a good memory! It was also a good tune with good lyrics. "Don't Stop" is a song by the rock group Fleetwood Mac, written by vocalist and keyboard player Christine McVie. Sung by Christine McVie and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, it was a single taken from the band's 1977 hit album, Rumours. It is one of the band's most enduring hits.

If you wake up and don't want to smile If it takes just a little while
Open your eyes and look at the day You'll see things in a different way

Don't stop thinking about tomorrow Don't stop, it'll soon be here
It'll be better than before Yesterday's gone, yesterday's gone

FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: off i go to start my day. i only packed today's worries. thanks again for a most pertinent and timely ww! i can't stop humming, "pack up your sorrows...give them all to me...". i think it's todays mantra. FROM JACK: Notice the new nickname I've given you. You probably know the Fleetwood Mac song, too. Try unpacking it from your mind.

FROM SG IN TAMPA: One day at a time. FROM JACK: One of my favorite songs: "One day at a time, Sweet Jesus."
One day at a time sweet Jesus That's all I'm asking from you.
Just give me the strength To do everyday what I have to do.
Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus And tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord help me today, show me the way One day at a time.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: "Worry is interest paid on something that may never happen." FROM JACK: "Tell me the old, old story...."

FROM CWR IN B'MORE: ...that passage is starting to become one of my favorites as well FROM JACK: It fits many situations, doesn't it?

FROM MOLINER CF: I guess "Take it a day at a time" is still an appropriate piece of advice. FROM JACK: Or as the athletes and coaches say when interviewed: "We're just gonna play one game at a time."

FROM ID IN LA: Very good advice...Thanks ))) FROM JACK: You don't ever worry, do you?

FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: Sufficient for the day are the troubles thereof? So don't worry about tomorrow, it will take care of itself...Good reminder indeed...It is very hard to lay your burdens at the foot of the cross and leave them there...you keep wanting to pick the back up!!! Ah, the foibles of us humans...we WILL worry and fret! And we've seen enough disastrous happenings, that the phrase "Don't worry, God's in charge" is almost a mockery. We wait to see the Whole picture on the "other side"... certainly don't have all the answers here on Earth. Keep singing, "Jesus Love Me, This I know"!! FROM JACK: Isn't there also a song, "Take your burden to the Lord, and leave it there." A lot of us follow the advice of the first six words, but neglect the last four.

FROM IE IN MICHIGAN: Your message reminds me of the saying: "Worrying will do nothing about solving your problems for tomorrow but it sure will mess up your today".. FROM JACK: It sounds as though you know what you're talking about.