Unentailing Worry

Some time ago Scott bought The Wizard of Ha’s—one of those Veggie Tales movies.  Like any children’s cartoon, it has really catchy music.  One of my favorite songs is, “Monkey,” with Larry and Bob.
 

If it doesn’t have a tail it’s not a monkey, even if it has a monkey-kind of shape.

If it doesn’t have a tail, it’s not a monkey.

If it doesn’t have a tail, it’s not a monkey, it’s an ape.

A few weeks ago I was reminded of this song by a friend—but through a different set of words.

On a Friday afternoon, she and I ventured to Collierville to dine on frozen yogurt.  With sprinkles on my spoon and dread in my heart, we talked about my workplace woes.

Work had become a place of stress and anxiety.  With the opportunity to transfer having arisen, I should have been enthralled.  But instead I had reservations.  The weight was heavy on my shoulders.

Would I be going from a bad situation to a worse one?  Was I abandoning my coworkers?  Was I making a hasty decision?  Would I be making a wise career move?

Many questions fluttered through my mind, antagonizing me.  I wasn’t settled that I was making the right choice.  What should have been an easy decision was a terrifying one.

After revealing my mountain of concerns, she looked at me thoughtfully.

“You know,” she said as she leaned comfortably into the diner chair, “if something is difficult, it’s most likely God at work.”

It was an uncomplicated statement that held resounding reassurance.  For the weeks that followed, I clung to it.

I felt the anxiety dissipate as I gave my fears to God and had faith in Him.  I let God walk with me.  Though it remained a complex situation, my perspective was drastically changed.

Whenever worry would rise, I continued to remind myself:

If it’s difficult, then it’s God at work, even if it’s only anxiety and stress you feel.

If it’s difficult, then it’s God at work.

If it’s difficult, then it’s God at work, trust His will.

In spite of the negative feelings I continued to feel, overall I felt safe.  I was nervous telling my manager I wanted and planned to leave.  I was uneasy revealing it to my coworkers.  I was sad saying goodbye to my many favorite customers.

However, as my last day drew to an end, I felt no anxiety.  Instead my fears were replaced with serenity—a complete soothing of my heart.

She taught me a valuable lesson that day.  I’m thankful God brought us together that afternoon, because her words will definitely be something I hold onto for years to come.