Let Tomorrow Worry About Itself

A few months ago, before Covid-19 was our “new normal,” I shared a meme on Facebook that stated the following:

Adulthood is saying, “But after this week, things will slow down a bit” over and over until you die.

 This silly little saying elicited quite a response. Fifty-two people gave it a thumbs-up, heart, or laughing face emoji, and fifteen people related enough to comment with things like “So true!” “Yep!” “Nailed it!” and, “Is there such a thing as a normal week?”

I shared the meme because the sentiment resonated with me. Just the week prior, I’d told myself, After this event, I’m seriously going to take it easy for a while. Isn’t it funny how we keep telling ourselves little lies to get through the day, the week, or he month? Tomorrow will be better. Once I just get past this project, I’m going to take a break from saying “yes.” Next month will slow down. And my personal favorite: It’s just a season we’re in.

[Tweet “We call our busy lives seasons to distract ourselves from the reality that we simply lead busy lives.”]

We call our busy lives seasons to distract ourselves from the reality that we simply lead busy lives.A season filled with diapers, tantrums, interrupted sleep, and endless days melts into a season of soccer practice and dance rehearsals, birthday parties, class parties, and t-ball, which then melts into a season of competitive sports, Friday night lights, and Saturday tournaments, afterschool tutoring, music lessons, and zero-hour mixed in with board meetings, fundraising events, deadlines, and reports to the boss. I have a sneaking suspicion that another full season awaits just around the bend when this one is over.

Currently the season called school year is melting into the micro-season of summer vacation. Personally, I welcome the change. Normally, the month of May feels like one of those spinning tops; the kind you press down on the handle over and over to make the top spin faster and faster. May is recitals, tournaments, awards banquets and end-of-year banquets, class parties and Mother’s Day brunches, studying and exams, graduations, graduation gifts, and graduation parties.

Now, instead, every time I open my inbox I see invitations to Zoom meetings and plans for virtual graduation celebrations. How ironic that even as we are all forced to stay away from each other and “shelter in place,” we are desperately trying to find ways to keep our schedules intact. Even during what feels like a worldwide shutdown, the top keeps spinning.

Do you feel dizzy?

June first feels like a big sigh of relief. Until I look at the calendar and realize that back to school season is two-and-a-half short months away. The pessimist in me wants to lament how little time I have to enjoy the long summer days, but Jesus has something to say about that in Matthew 6 (CSB):

“Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear.” (v. 25)

“Can any of you add one moment to his life-span by worrying?” (v. 27)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” (v. 33)

“Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (v. 34)

You might be thinking I’m going to advise you to stop saying yes to so many activities and commitments. Maybe you think my next bit of parenting advice is to only allow one sport or extracurricular for your children. Sorry to disappoint, but I don’t have any advice on how to say no when you’re asked to join another committee at church or when the PTA or community organization needs your help. I stay busy and give my time and talents because I know that my church and community need people like me to get things done. My kids are involved in things they enjoy because I’m always looking for ways to keep them engaged away from a screen, and because I want them to learn that the world is bigger than their own little egos.

I’ll admit life can get very busy when you have a “yes, and . . .” attitude. This is where I try to apply Jesus’ advice regarding worry and anxiety. Let tomorrow worry about itself because there is enough to do today. Today I’ll do my best to fulfill my obligations, get myself and my family where they need to be. And when life comes to a screeching halt because of a little thing called Covid-19, I’ll embrace the sudden stillness and learn to enjoy being at home more than usual. I’ll let tomorrow worry about itself.

Tomorrow or next week, someone may ask for my help, but it won’t do me any good to worry about that right now. Right now I’ll use my God-given talents to make my community a better place. I’m willing to embrace a busy life as long as it is productive and embrace the sudden lack of activities because there is value in slowing down. If I spend my energy worrying about all the things I have to do tomorrow or next week, then I will miss the opportunity to put my whole heart and self into what I’m doing today.

Don’t get me wrong. I have not perfected the art of not caring about tomorrow. I still get anxious and overwhelmed when my plate is exceptionally full, and I wring my hands over decisions, especially if they involve my children’s education or future.

Anxiety and hand-wringing is a sign that I need rest and my family needs downtime. There is something to be said for taking a Sabbath to rest and recharge. Maybe that looks like letting your family know you’ll be taking a long walk or run at some point each weekend. Maybe it’s asking your family to pick their favorite book (or comic book), grabbing a blanket, and spending an hour out on the lawn together. Maybe it’s a family movie night (or date night) on the couch with popcorn and ice cream floats.

Or perhaps slowing down and reflecting on the life you have created is forced upon you whether you planned for it or not. Who knew that the terms social distancing and quarantine would suddenly be a part of our daily vocabulary? There’s nothing like a global pandemic to make you rethink those verses in Matthew.

Perhaps your busy schedule has moved from in-real-life to virtual, or you are using this time of social distance to take a break from activities, or you find yourself busier than ever, and a new season of busy is just around the corner. But why worry about that right now? It can worry about itself.

Stephanie Clinton is a writer and blogger but more importantly, a wife and mother to two little boys. In her free time (if there is any) she can be found wiping snotty noses and volunteering in her community and school. Learn more about Stephanie along with her passion to encourage women and lighten their load at www.hugskissesandsnot.com.

Image by marijana1 from Pixabay