Date: 2013-02-10
To: Goodbyes and Worries
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

For almost 43 years now I've been the wife and mother who remained at home. It's been a privilege and a blessing and I'm filled with gratitude. As the day draws closer for me to head into the woods, I've been thinking about the times I said "goodbye" and waited and worried:1) We were married in 1970 and 72 days later my husband returned to Vietnam for his second tour of duty. 2) A "goodbye" to my Grandpa who was in the hospital when I left to meet my husband in Hawaii for R&R. I told him I would tell him about Hawaii when I returned. He replied: "Hell, Margo, I'll be six feet under when you return." He was buried while I was on my flight home.3) Goodbye again after spending a week with my husband in Hawaii about 1/2 way through his tour of duty.4) Goodbye to my mom and dad when they left Mississippi after visiting us for Christmas in our first home. My mother died unexpectedly from two brain aneurysms about 3 months later. I was able to see her in the ICU.5) Another goodbye to my husband when he left for Germany. The boys and I had to remain behind with my dad until housing became available for us.6) Goodbye to my dad at the airport when the boys and I were headed to Germany.7) Goodbye to my husband when he moved to Belgium and we waited behind in Germany while he looked for housing.8) Goodbye to the boys (two years apart) when they started Kindergarten. In Belgium a Greyhound-like bus stopped at the end of our drive way and their short legs had to step up onto that big bus. I'll never forget how small they seemed boarding the huge bus.9) Goodbye to our oldest son when he drove off to college.10) Goodbye to my sister at the Atlanta airport after her visit to Georgia. Dad had moved here because he couldn't live on his own anymore and she came for a visit after his total knee replacement. She died unexpectedly about 3 months later. 11) Goodbye to my dad on the day he was born into life everlasting.12) Goodbye to our youngest son when he left for Army Basic Training and when he moved to Maryland for advanced training. 13) Goodbye (over the phone) when our youngest left for Afghanistan.14) Goodbye (over the phone) when our youngest left for Belgium.And now, for this goodbye, I'll be the one leaving and my husband will wait at home ... I have it pictured in my mind. He'll take me to the trail head, I will put on my pack, give him a kiss and a hug, walk through the arch, and look back at him and wave. I'll have tears in my eyes; maybe he will too. Will I look back a second time?My husband is a worrier; our sons are not far behind him. I'm wondering if there is a familial gene which is dominant for worrying. In the past, worry has created problems for me... once even to the point of bleeding internally. So, in an effort to help those who will worry about me as I hike the Appalachian Trail because they care about me and/or love me, I found this article. Many, many years ago the last scripture verse she quotes is the first one God used to begin teaching me about letting go of worry.4 Reasons Not To Worry - What Does The Bible Say ? (by Mary Fairchild)I've spent an awful lot of time in my life worrying. I've worried about grades in school, job interviews, approaching deadlines and shrinking budgets. I've worried about bills and expenses, rising gas prices, insurance costs and endless taxes. I've even worried about having my home in perfect condition for "company," and within seconds of their arrival, the house is turned upside down and no one even notices. I've worried about first impressions, political correctness, identity theft and contagious infections. In spite of all the worrying, I'm still alive and well, and all my bills are paid. Over the span of my lifetime, worrying accounts for hours and hours of invaluable time that I'll never get back. So, I have decided that I'd like to spend my time more wisely and more enjoyably. If you're not convinced yet to give up your worrying, here are four biblical reasons not to worry.1. Worrying Accomplishes Absolutely Nothing. I don't know about you, but I don't have any time to waste these days. And worrying is a waste of very precious time. Worrying won't help you solve a problem or bring about a solution, so why waste your time and energy on it? Matthew 6:27-29Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 2. Worrying is Not Good for You. Worrying is destructive to us in many ways. It becomes a mental burden that can even cause us to grow physically sick. Proverbs 12:25Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. 3. Worrying is the Opposite of Trusting God. The energy that we spend worrying can be put to much better use in prayer. Here's a little formula to remember: Worry replaced by Prayer equals Trust. Matthew 6:30And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? Philippians 4:6-7Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God¢s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 4. Worrying Puts Your Focus in the Wrong Direction. When we keep our eyes focused on God, we remember his love for us and we realize we truly have nothing to worry about. God has a wonderful plan for our lives, and part of that plan includes taking care of us. Even in the difficult times, when it seems like God doesn't care, we can put our trust in the Lord and focus on his kingdom. God will take care of our every need. Matthew 6:25That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Matthew 6:31-33So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.John Michael Talbot sings Cast Down Your Cares May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand. ~Irish Blessing