Comments on: Worrying About Our Tomorrows

By: zoe

zoe — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:19:34 +0000

I agree with 3DebD that praying the Jesus Prayer helps. I repeat this prayer anytime I’m anxious or when my mind goes into hyperactive state. May God help us all in our daily struggles.

By: Monica

Monica — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:51:44 +0000

Oh, Michelle. I always read your blog.

We’re in a similar spot (and have been before). We moved to South Carolina for my husband to finish a BA in Bible, only to not have the money to finish, convert to Orthodoxy, and end up moving back home where in-state tuition at a public university would be doable. Now, we wonder what to do when he graduates…

I’ve read the more recent post, so I know you aren’t worrying NOW; however, I’ll add that you perhaps shouldn’t worry about your kids ending up like your sourroundings because seminary surroundings (especially at St. Tikon’s with a monastery near-by) would be totally different. But then again, I’ve never been, so I don’t know.

My husband is wanting to do the St. Stephen’s program (distance learning through Antiochian Diocese to become a deacon.) Maybe that’s an option.

Anyway, you don’t need me to preach at you. Just to tell you I understand, and I pray.

By: susan

susan — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:44:13 +0000

I am Christinas (in Portland)mom. I found your blog through hers.
My 3 kids are grown and long gone, but I still worry about them, and my grandchildren. My kids used to call me Miss Worse case senario!
I agree with what Mimi says.
I found that sharing with a friend, or blogging, or whatever helps. When you talk about your worries, sometimes you find out how simplistic the solutions are.
I once read that when you worry,think about what “is”, instead of what if. That helps me.

By: Magda

Magda — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:45:37 +0000

Not-worrying is a hard thing to learn, and it can feel like one of those “trust fall” exercises. When my husband graduated from seminary, we didn’t even know where we would be assigned. It was very difficult learning to trust God, that even when we didn’t have enough information to make plans for our family, He would still be in charge. Although things can get out of control (two parental deaths, a miscarriage, and a move across country), forcing myself to put my trust in God that everything would be okay (and doing my best to keep up my end of things) worked out for the best.

I am preaching to myself, too, as I work through the frustrations of the learning curve of motherhood. After my son started sleeping through the night, you’d think I would relax and thank God (well, yes), but instead I worry that I won’t find him awake in the morning: it’s too quiet. I still have to work hard at trusting God to keep my son … well, the son who belongs to God but who has been entrusted to me.

I have been praying for you and your mother.

By: elizabeth

elizabeth — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:11:12 +0000

I too can relate HUGE to the struggle with worry.

By: Mimi

Mimi — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:32:07 +0000

Worry is what makes us human, how we react to it is what makes us Christian, Lord have Mercy.

My love and sincerest hugs. And, most of all, prayer.

By: sarah

sarah — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:57:14 +0000

I don’t have children yet, but I can relate to many of the things you mentioned worrying about. Lord have mercy on us.

By: DebD

DebD — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:08:50 +0000

Michelle, this is something you should try to take to your priest. As my kids have gotten older I have discovered a tendency to worry as well - - especially in the middle of the night. I get great help and comfort from saying the Jesus prayer over and over.

By: victoria

victoria — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:38:15 +0000

hey michelle. I completely sympathize with you. it’s hard once you have kids to make decisions about your future and you life that are going to be good for you and for them.
my husband and I have been orthodox for 12 years now.
he was ordained to the diaconate about a year and a half ago. he did all his coursework through st.andrews (?? I think) late vocations program in the US. He transferred in the last stage to the canadian st.arseny program.
it was distance education, but the st.andrews program is taught by many of the same priests/teachers from St.Vlads (in new york… Dr.Paul Myendorff included).
anyway. I don’t know if this helps at all. but it might be somewhere to start to explore.

By: Brigid

Brigid — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:40:14 +0000

Hi, Michelle, I do read your blog.

I wish I knew what to tell you, but honestly lately I’m having trouble figuring out what to tell myself. All I’ve got is the old standby: John 16:33.

“Tribulations will come your way, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.”