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To the Mom Who Feels Like She’s Failing at the One Thing She Was Sure God Called Her To…

  Let’s be honest. Some days you feel like the circus clown… Only the clowns have more help and better costumes. Your “classroom” is the kitchen table. Your students? One’s crying, one’s hiding, one’s asking you a question that sounds like it came straight out of a college exam. Meanwhile, the baby’s screaming, the dog just threw up on the rug, and the toddler… well… let’s just say the peanut butter was NOT supposed to be art supplies. And you? You’re standing there with cold coffee, wondering how in the world you ended up in charge of someone’s entire education. "Maybe I’m in over my head." "Maybe I’m wrecking their future." "Maybe they’d be better off with a real teacher." You’ve seen those Instagram-perfect homeschool moms… Neat handwriting on the whiteboard, shelves arranged by color, kids smiling like they just won the lottery for Most Well-Behaved Family. You’ve tried to copy them. You’ve stayed up past midnight rearranging books, printing lesson ...
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The Weight of Worry: Sorrow Upon Sorrow from Future Anxieties

 

We often find ourselves consumed by thoughts of the future, worrying about what may happen and trying to anticipate every possible outcome. This kind of solicitude, or over-concern, does little more than heap sorrow upon sorrow, as Thomas A Kempis wisely points out in The Imitation of Christ. His words remind us that excessive worry about future events does not bring solutions but instead adds unnecessary burdens to our hearts and minds.

In this blog, we will explore how worrying about future incidents robs us of peace and joy in the present, and how we can embrace a more trusting and faith-filled approach to life.




The Futility of Worry

Worrying about the future is a natural response to uncertainty. We all want to feel secure and have control over what is to come. However, worrying is rarely productive. It does not change the outcome of future events, and more often than not, it creates more stress and anxiety in the present moment.

  1. Worry Magnifies Fear:

    • When we allow our minds to dwell on potential problems, we give power to fear. We become paralyzed by "what if" scenarios, even though many of the things we worry about never come to pass.

  2. Worry Drains Joy:

    • By fixating on what might happen, we lose sight of the blessings and opportunities that exist in the present. Worry pulls us away from enjoying the now, diminishing our capacity for gratitude and contentment.

  3. Worry is Unproductive:

    • No amount of worrying will change the future. It only distracts us from the actions we can take in the present, leaving us stuck in a cycle of stress without solutions.

Trusting in Divine Providence

Thomas A Kempis encourages us to let go of the anxiety over future events by placing our trust in God’s providence. Rather than trying to control everything ourselves, we can find peace by surrendering our worries to the One who holds the future in His hands.

  1. God Knows What We Need:

    • Scripture assures us that God is aware of our needs before we even ask Him (Matthew 6:8). Trusting in His providence allows us to relinquish the burden of constantly trying to figure out what will happen next.

  2. Live in the Present Moment:

    • Focusing on the present is an act of faith. When we trust that God will provide for our future, we are free to concentrate on the here and now. Living in the moment enables us to fulfill our daily responsibilities with peace of heart.

  3. Prayer Over Worry:

    • St. Paul offers this advice: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Instead of allowing fear to overwhelm us, we can turn our concerns into prayers and trust that God will handle the rest.

Sorrow Upon Sorrow: The Emotional Cost of Future Anxieties

The phrase "sorrow upon sorrow" perfectly captures the emotional weight of worrying about the future. Each anxious thought adds another layer of distress, burdening us with fears that may never even materialize.

  1. Emotional Overload:

    • When we continually worry about the future, we carry a constant undercurrent of stress. This emotional strain impacts our mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

  2. Disconnection from God’s Peace:

    • Excessive worry can cloud our awareness of God's presence in our lives. We become so focused on controlling the future that we forget to trust in His goodness and care for us. This disconnect leaves us feeling isolated and spiritually drained.

  3. The Antidote: Faith and Surrender:

    • The solution to the sorrow caused by future anxieties is faith—faith in God’s love, wisdom, and providence. By surrendering our concerns to Him, we allow ourselves to experience the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Practical Steps to Let Go of Future Worry

  1. Daily Prayer and Meditation:

    • Begin each day with prayer, asking God for the grace to trust Him with the future. Meditate on His promises to care for you and provide for your needs.

  2. Practice Gratitude:

    • Cultivate a habit of gratitude by focusing on the blessings you experience each day. Gratitude shifts your attention from fear of the unknown to appreciation for what you have now.

  3. Take Action in the Present:

    • Rather than worrying about what might happen, focus on what you can do today. Whether it’s fulfilling your responsibilities or reaching out in kindness to someone in need, taking positive action in the present moment helps diminish worry.

  4. Trust in God’s Timing:

    • Remind yourself that God’s timing is perfect. Things may not unfold as we expect or desire, but they always work according to His plan for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

Conclusion

Worrying about the future may feel like a natural response to life’s uncertainties, but it brings nothing but "sorrow upon sorrow." By placing our trust in God and focusing on the present, we can release the emotional burden of future anxieties and experience the peace that comes from living in faith. Let us strive to imitate the example of Christ, who lived each day in complete trust in His Father’s providence, and let us embrace the peace that only comes from surrendering our future into God’s hands.

As Thomas A Kempis wisely teaches, "What does other solicitude about future incidents bring you, but only sorrow upon sorrow?" Today, we can choose to cast our cares on God and walk forward in trust, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

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