I sometimes think worry is knocking at my door a bit more often these days as I age.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m in my upper 80’s, and I have to admit that I think about this remarkable situation sometimes. Questions pop into my mind such as, how am I going to handle this, or how am I going to handle that, as the years keep flying by? How are JoAnn and I, as a unit, going to handle this, or that?
It’s not only me and my wife who are getting older, by the way. I was reminded a day or two ago that our car, a stout-hearted 1996 Nissan Maxima that we call James, is also aging. He has about 170,000 miles behind him now. It cost $525 a day or two ago to put in a new power steering pump. I love James. JoAnn loves James. But suppose other big issues arise demanding attention as he continues to mature?
There are other areas of my life, of course, that sometimes attract the interest of worry. Health, for example. Or finances. Really, the list is quite long.
But here is the brilliant truth that changed my life when I was diagnosed with colon cancer five years ago. If I was willing to sit down quietly in my chair when fear arose and simply be still, surrendering to the uncomfortable feelings that assailed me–allowing them simply to exist–my fear was transformed instantly into joy.
Courage was renewed in me. Confidence and trust were renewed in me. I realized there is a place of peace within us that is forever untroubled and unperturbed by any problem or worry that may arise in our lives.
A few thoughts that I hope may be of value. I send you blessings and love and would love to hear from you if you have any comments you would like to add.
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