When I was in Bali, it was common to see flower offerings several times a day. I remember thinking that Christians could learn something from these devout people, who stopped throughout the day to give thanks to the Creator.  The lilies of the field and birds of the air Gospel reading today is one of my favourites.

Learning to let go and let God is a life-long lesson for most of us. We fret and worry and worry and fret. We wonder if there will be enough. We agonize whether the decision was the right one. We touch the lump and stop breathing for a minute. We watch our aging parents slow down and we take up the slack. The mortgage, the kids’ college fund, our RRSPs, retirement dates, medical test results and so many other things weigh heavy on our hearts. How can we not but worry?

We are human after all, not a flower that is here for a few weeks to bring beauty and joy and then gone. We are not the birds in the air who seem to have cares too. The cat that hunches quietly or the hawk swirling overhead poses a different sort of worry for them. More and more people are feeling the financial crunch in this country and certainly even more so for our neighbours to the south. Can we learn to live in the moment and release the anxiety that comes with yesterday and the stress that may accompany tomorrow?

This is one of the lessons in today’s Gospel. What is niggling away at your serenity today? Breathe deeply and release it to the One who has it.  Rest in the assurance that God is your refuge. Do not let yourself be shaken. Stop instead and send up a prayer of thanksgiving. Place a lily down and remember God is in control.

Peace,

Suzanne