HE holds our tomorrows

Many of us suffer from worries and anxieties that drain our energy, rob our joy, and prevent us from living in the present moment. We worry about what happen in the past and we are anxiety and fearful about the future. Neither the past, nor the future can be trusted because we do not control either one. Rather, what we can control is how we respond and manage the events and circumstances we experience on a daily basic.

I would strongly suspect due to Covid-19 that it is the future that has most people worried and anxious. The emotional stress and the fear of the ‘unknown’ created by this pandemic is playing havoc in our world, country, communities, families and in our hearts. It is important for each one of us to reflect and consider how we are dealing with the ‘now present’ new norm…. or maybe how we are not?

According to Salesian spirituality, “When we live in the present moment, we are able to recognize and to respond to God’s constant and challenging presence in our lives. For the Spirit at work in us awakens a desire to strive towards the sublime and gives us the courage to say ‘yes’ to life despite the difficulties we experience around and within us. The Spirit gives us the strength to throw off false anxieties and provides us with insights into ways not only to cope with the happenings in our world but even to rejoice in the challenges presented.”

When we are stuck in the past or fixated in the future we are unable to recognize what lies within us; the God-given gifts, talents and creativeness making us capable of being and doing great things. We fail to see the amazing generosity and kindness of others caring for the sick and providing respite for the weary workers.   

Robert Wicks says, “Being in the now offers us freedom from anxiety and an opportunity to experience God in refreshing new ways. It is only when we move into the future without God that we experience anxiety. The past may be sacred, the future may hold great graces, but a sensitive encounter with God is in the present moment”.

Let us trust in our God who loves and cares for us beyond all human understandings to heal our past and hold our tomorrows. Stay well and let peace reign wherever you are today.  

Blessings, 

Mary