Jan 31sr, 2022: Don't Worry About Tomorrow But Be Mindful of Today

 


I have been pondering about a conversation I had with a friend who works in development work in a small nation in Africa. She was discouraged that they had not been able to get help to drill more wells for water. They have been asking for help, and it is very slow coming. Yet, without any asking, they have received offers for vaccination for kids. The question she has is: "Why should kids get vaccinated while having no clean water and food?" Children in many parts of the world have been dying due to the lack of water and nutrition. Even in Canada, some First Nations Communities struggle with not having enough clean water. I am willing to bet that they have also got vaccines before any other needed help.


Have we become so obsessed with one human predicament that we overlook everything else? I have felt that in various aspects of my work and interaction with people. I understand the arguments from both sides of this conversation. However, we cannot get away from the sad reality of our priorities of others' needs for help.


I have been doing my work the same way I did before COVID 19. Someone asked me to come to see a young fellow and his wife this week to see how we can help them with their life. They are in their early twenties and just had a child. Neither of them was vaccinated, and I knew that. We had a good visit. We talked about the challenges they face as young parents. He suffered from serious head injuries in his teen years due to street fighting. He is learning how to work and provide for his family. Vaccination never entered our conversation.


Why am I sharing this story with you? It reflects my decision about how I deal with this pandemic. Human sufferings and struggles are everywhere. We cannot hide from them. We cannot eliminate them. We live our lives with the obedience to do what is right and with the faith to believe that God will protect us. We won't be foolish, but we cannot be fearful either. Human calamity won't stop when this pandemic is over. We will think of some other ways to destroy ourselves. That is the reality of sin. Let us learn to have a healing presence when we are with one another. Let our hearts be at peace while knowing that we do not have complete control over our destiny.


Matthew 6:34 

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.


John 14:27 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.


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