Falling Leaves

Read Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry

"So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today."

Matthew 6:34 (NRSV)

Yessenia Rosalia Acosta de Beard lives in Dominican Republic. For years she lived in a second-floor apartment. When she moved into a house, she began the daily task of sweeping leaves in front of the house and the back patio. It seemed a never-ending task! There were always leaves on the ground the following day. At first she tried shaking the tree limbs to make more leaves drop in hopes that there would be few or no leaves the following day. But the next day, there were always leaves on the ground.

Much like this task of sweeping up the leaves, when she faces difficult tasks or physical challenges, Yessenia wants to deal with them all at once and free herself of the aggravation and stress. But, like the leaves, no matter how much she wants to resolve situations in one fell swoop, each day brings its own set of worries. This reality has led her to depend more on the Lord.

Each day leaves will fall, and worries will come. Now, instead of complaining about sweeping up leaves or being consumed with worries, Yessenia seeks joy in the spiritual practice of discernment, trusting in divine providence to be her guiding light in all circumstances.

Prayer: Creator God, help us to learn to depend on you each day, knowing that you will guard our going out and coming in, in the name of Jesus. Amen.