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Tie Ourselves in Knots

Tie Ourselves in Knots

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Tie Ourselves in KnotsWe can easily tie ourselves in knots. I don’t mean with ropes, but with how we react to circumstances. We cause ourselves to suffer with:

  • Worry
  • Nervousness
  • Confusion

We can make ourselves sick. When our stomach ties in knots, we experience pain or cramping. The cause may be physical. Often it is emotional.

  • Fear
  • Impatience
  • Uncertainty
  • Anxiety

 Other people can tie us in knots when they:

  • Expect too much
  • Hurt us or try to hurt us
  • Ignore us
  • Lie or gossip about us

So, how do we stop tying ourselves in knots or letting others tie us in knots? Don’t borrow trouble. Remember worry does no good. It changes nothing except how we feel. Instead, let go and let God. As we learn from The Serenity Prayer:

  • Change what we can change.
  • Accept what we can’t change.
  • Learn the difference.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” (Luke 12:25 NIV).

How do you keep from tying yourself in knots? Please comment.

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Photo courtesy of morgueFile.

Watch Your Step

Watch Your Step

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Watch Your Step“You better watch your step.” Have you heard that from a parent, teacher, or boss? When it happens, we know we have pushed all the wrong buttons. We are in trouble or soon will be, unless we change our behavior.

If we don’t watch our step when we walk or run, we fall. Falls frequently occur because of:

  • Wet leaves on steps
  • Not paying attention (Having our head in the clouds)
  • Stepping on rocks, holes, or toys

If we fail to watch our step in relationships, we risk:

  • Offending other people
  • Earning a bad reputation
  • Suffering personal problems

Falls can happen quickly. That is true in any situation.

  • Sometimes we cause falls ourselves.
  • Sometimes other people cause them.
  • Sometimes they are no one’s fault.

As a result, we want to use caution — to watch our step.

  • Prevent the mistakes we can.
  • Prepare for the mistakes that happen.
  • Pick ourselves up when we fall.

Let’s learn from the steps we take, both good and bad.

“I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes” (Psalm 119: 59 NIV).

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

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Don’t Borrow Trouble

Don’t Borrow Trouble

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Don't Borrow Trouble 1Are you a worrier?

Do you think nothing will get done unless you worry about it? If so, my friend, stop it! Don’t borrow trouble. You are causing yourself needless anxiety.

Several years ago, a baseball player offered a better approach. He declared, “Ain’t no need to worry!” (English teachers everywhere, please forgive the grammar. Pay attention instead to his philosophy.)

Worry neither prevents nor causes anything, except perhaps physical and emotional health problems.

  • If something’s going to happen, worry won’t stop it.
  • If it doesn’t happen, think of all the time you wasted.
  • Concentrate instead on what you can do.

We can make a difference if we:

  • Complete today’s work to the best of our ability.
  • Show love and kindness in all we do.
  • Thank God for each day’s opportunities.
  • Then, rest in the knowledge that our day was well lived.

I have to admit that worry still creeps into my life sometimes. Therefore, I have to continually tell myself not to borrow trouble. As is true of all my life, I remain a work in progress.

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes” (Matthew 6:34, MSG).

Do you have a favorite expression or one you want explained? If so, please comment.

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