Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Very special beatitudes are attributed to Saint Jeanne Jugan, the founder of the order of the Petites Soeurs des Pauvres (Little Sisters of the Poor) in Paris:
“Blessed are those who know how to take small things seriously and serious things calmly; they will go far.
Blessed are those who know how to distinguish a mountain from a molehill; they will save themselves a great deal of trouble.
Blessed are those who rest and enjoy silence without seeking excuses; they will become wise.
Blessed are those who can be silent and listen; they will learn many new things.
Blessed are those who think before they act and pray before they think; they will avoid a lot of foolishness.
Blessed are those who recognize and love the Lord in all beings; they will radiate light and goodness and joy.”
Blessed. Blessed beyond measure are the people who know what is important in their lives and what can be safely neglected. Tell me, when was the last time you just enjoyed a day? Without worrying about what the consequences of "sweet idleness" might be. Or in all seriousness let God take care of things for you - without feeling guilty about having given a problem to Him and waiting to see what He does with it?
We humans are often true masters at making our lives harder than they already are. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow. How well He knows us! We worry about many things that in all likelihood will never come to pass as we imagine in our worst dreams! It is so important to pray, think, consider and decide in peace. Not to rush, not to hurry, to remain calm! Worry does not bring us an inch further in our lives, on the contrary! It paralyzes us, takes away the joy of living and clouds our view of the future.
I have to admit that I'm not yet a master at living without worrying. Especially now, in these Corona times, we have so many reasons to brood and worry! But then I am reminded of Jesus’ words: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:27 NIV.
People who do not worry can truly be called blessed! They are free from excessive pressure and hassle, free from constantly comparing their achievements with those of others. I rejoice for people who radiate this inner serenity and calmness and thus make those around them happy. Honestly, I can't imagine Jesus acting like a stressed manager, always pushing his disciples to reach ever higher achievements. Quite the contrary! He was the one who led them to God’s peace and quiet, into the rest of solitude. We too may experience this today. We too may be blessed people “who recognize and love the Lord in all beings and radiate light and goodness and joy.”
Let us start today to put this advice into practice so that, already here on earth, we are part of the truly happy and blessed ones!