FROM THE PULPIT: DON'T LET THE LITTLE THINGS GET YOU DOWN

Last Saturday evening I couldn't get the computer in our home to work properly. I am not a real good computer person. So I can get very frustrated when it doesn't just do what I want it to do when I turn it on. My family always try to calm me down by saying: "Dad, now don't get so stressed out on these little things." Eventually they worked out all the computer bugs that would have taken me hours to try to figure out in the book.

Whenever I hear those famous words: "don't get so stressed out on these little things" reminds me of the words of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew. I am sure you are familiar with these words from Matthew Chapter 6. Jesus begins the chapter about how to pray, including the Lord's prayer. He then talks about who to serve and finally he concludes this chapter with these words: "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's trouble be sufficient for the day."(Matthew 6:34)

How often we get frustrated in life by the little things. We get anxious about an assignment that is due or a job we must finish tomorrow or in two weeks. Sometimes the little things become bigger concerns that may cause us not only stress but make us angry at ourselves or even someone in our family. We may even say something to hurt someone who was really trying to help us.

There are enough troubles and concerns in one day's time to be anxious about. Jesus reminds us when little things upset us to not be anxious. Deal with the little things before they balloon into a bigger problem without getting too stressed out.

Listen to those around you who will help you cope with a trying situation and learn from them. Know that God is there with you helping you to grow from anxious moments of tomorrow to accomplishing the challenges of today. Remember that God in Christ will guide you through each day's own concerns.

In this season of thanksgiving, I am always grateful to my family for reminding me to: "not get so stressed out over the little things--like when the computer doesn't do the command I want it to do." Rather let us all be thankful for the gracious gift God gives to us in Christ to live life at its fullest, to love and forgive those around us and to listen and be more understanding of those in difficult situations. Jesus said "do not be anxious", let the day's own troubles be sufficient for the day." May God bless you in the holiday season to be less stressful and anxious. May God grant you strength and patience for each task you do and with each person you encounter.