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Make an exchange

Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.  Corrie ten Boom

Today's quote is a timely one for me.  On several levels and for several reasons.  But you don't need to hear about all *that*.  :) 
I've been working on my worry-wart ways for a few years now.  It's not always easy to not worry but it sure is stressful and unsettling to worry!  I always know when I've entered into worry - my heart rate changes, my palms/pits (ha, tmi?) get clammy, my mind creates "what if" scenarios, I'm agitated, and my stomach is knotted in a big ball of ick.  So when I find myself entering worry I have to remind myself to breathe deep, calm down, wait to hear all the facts - or as many as I will get to find out, and most importantly TRUST the One who holds all in his hands.  The fact is that God is bigger than anything causing my worrying.  He is bigger than people's egos that might be creating a situation that is worrisome (yes, my ego is included in there).  He is bigger than the wrongs being committed.  He is bigger than any of it. 
I've been trying to exchange my worry for prayer.  When I start to worry I stop myself and pray instead.  Most often the prayer first is, "God please help me not to worry" and then we go on from there!  :) 
Worry is one of the most powerful depleters of strength.  Look at all I put myself through when I choose worry.  I am depleted of physical strength, mental strength, emotional strength and spiritual strength.  I'm guessing these depletions aren't unique to me, it's a human response to worry. 
So today (or tomorrow or any day in the future) if something happens that prompts worry to begin to stir in your spirit I encourage you to instead pray and go from there.  That's where I'm finding myself these days, exchanging worry for prayer and trust. 

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