WORRY ~ A View from a Distant Hill {Wednesdays with Wanda}

Do you ever worry?

That’s a silly question, isn’t it?

We all worry.

I know I do.  Sometimes I worry about little insignificant stuff, and sometimes I worry about big heavy duty stuff.

Lately, my mind has been filled with the big heavy duty stuff.

The kind of stuff that I need to talk to my mom about.

The kind of stuff that she always had the best advice for.

I miss my Mom.

I miss her encouraging words.  She was always so full of them.

One time, when I was in college, I was going through a stressful time and was worrying about how I was going to make it through the obstacles in front of me.  Mom prayed and prayed for me and kept telling me that God was going to give me the strength to make it through.

One day I checked my campus mailbox and there was a note in there from Mom.  And in that note was little piece of paper with this poem on it…

View from the Hill

Worry is like a distant hill

We glimpse against the sky.

We wonder how we ever will

Get up a hill so high.

Yet, when we reach the top, we see

The roadway left behind

Is not as steep and sheer as we

Have pictured in our mind.

Author Unknown

 

That poem meant so much to me.  I was determined to “keep climbing” until I reached the top.  And the poem was right.  When I finally made it through that difficult time, I was able to look back and see that it really wasn’t as bad as I worried it was going to be.

After I got married and had a few kids, :)  I decided it was time to get my Masters.  I was a stay-at-home mom, and we were broke.  It was a huge struggle to pay for and go to night classes for the next few years.  At times, I didn’t think I was going to make it.

But I did.

I graduated from Georgetown College (KY) with my Masters in Elementary Education!

My husband, Mom, and sister were there that day to celebrate with me.

After the ceremony we went to get a bite to eat.  Mom and Cyndi had fixed me a huge bag of little goodies (just like I liked)…lotion, candles, magazines, etc.  And in that bag was a card from Mom.  When I opened the card, this fell out…

Before I could even read it, I started crying.  Mom was celebrating with me yet another mountain I had climbed.

(Of course, it wasn’t smeared like it is now.  I keep it on my refrigerator, and one of the boys got it wet one day.  I love how the words my mom wrote didn’t smear!)

She was a great cheerleader, rooting me on every step of the way.

I could really use one of her pep talks right now.

I am facing several mountains in my life right now, and I have to admit, I am worried.

Whenever I think about worry, I always remember this quote I heard one time and wrote in my bible.

“Worry fuels Satan, like Faith fuels Christ.”

It is so true.

When I worry, I am giving power to Satan, and I am telling Christ that I don’t trust Him to take care of me.

I don’t want to do that.

But it’s a daily battle for me.

Phillipians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything.  Ask God to supply your needs, and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers.”

The key is prayer.

“Don’t worry…pray…

I know I am not spending enough time in prayer.  If I were, I would not be worrying so much.  Because when I spend time with God, I see things more clearly.  And my worries fade.

Especially when I read,

“For I know the plans I have for you (insert your name), plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.  And then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:11-13

Or..

“Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.”  1 Peter 5:7

Or…

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes?  See how the lilies of the field grow.  They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.   If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?   So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’   For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.   But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:25-34

Or..

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

I am so thankful for God’s word and the peace that it brings!

And so thankful for a Mom that always pointed me to Him!

Do you have any “mountains of worry” in front of you today?

I pray that you and I both will take our worries to the foot of the cross, and receive in return the Peace that only Jesus can give.

Thanks for letting me share the thoughts beneath my heart,

Traci

52 Comments

  1. I love reading your blog and today’s message is very touching and when I worry (I know I shouldn’t) I’m going to read the poem your precious mother gave to you and the quote & verses. I wish I could have met her but just reading Wednesdays with Wanda is a blessing. :)
    Kathy in Texas
    p.s. Your master bedroom is my inspiration and your patio!!!

  2. Traci

    You (and your mom) are truly an inspiration to me. I struggle with worry a lot! I am also facing some mountains in my life right now. I praise God that I found your site and your encouraging words, they have truly lifted my spirits this morning. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and reflection on your mom.

    Your Tennessee neighbor

    Marilyn

    1. To my Tennessee neighbor, Marilyn,
      Thank you so much. I am so glad you enjoy reading my blog. I pray that God will give you a peace as you face your mountains. Your comments mean the world to me!
      Bless you!
      Traci

  3. I worry too….and it is so hard for me to “let go” of my problems and lay them at the feet of the Lord…but when I do…..such peace!

    on a side note…do you have an email address? I would like to see about having a giveaway on your blog or being a sponsor but I couldnt find anywhere to email you privately.

    1. Hi Christina!
      Thanks for your comment.
      My email address is beneathmyheart4(at)gmail(dot)com.
      Or you can click on the envelope icon below my sponsor buttons.
      Look forward to hearing from you! :)
      Traci

  4. Traci,
    I have been one of those unknown followers for a few months now. But, after reading you this morning, I felt I must let you know that I will be thinking of you as I go about my day. Worry and fear go hand in hand and like you said, the wrong one is winning! I saw a church sign once that said, “When fear knocks, let faith answer the door.” I thought you could hang onto that one. I loved what you said about “Mom’s words not fading” that was (eye moisture). I wish I could remember that each day, that my words, sweet or critical, will not fade. I hope you have been encouraged with the lengthy comment, sorry about that, but there is a place of my heart for you. I am new to the blogging world, but struggling to get my journaling up and running over at http://www.placesofmyheart.blogspot.com. I enjoy reading yours and hope you will stop by and visit me.
    IN HIM,
    Karen

    1. Karen,
      Thank you for leaving a comment and for becoming a “known” follower. :) I feel truly blessed that you took the time to leave this sweet comment. Your words mean so much to me and I covet your prayers and thoughts toward me. I love the quote you shared. I need to remember that one. My faith can be so weak at times. I pray God will strengthen me.
      Thanks again for leaving a comment.
      Bless you!
      Traci

  5. Thank you for sharing this today. It’s something that I need a reminder of periodically. Prayer has changed my life so much I can’t begin to explain. Yet every now and again those old-fashioned worries try and sneak in. Great verses and the poem from your mom is priceless. And yes, I love that her words did not smear. :)

    1. I am sure they are in the “great cloud of witnesses” cheering us on. :)
      Hope you are doing well.
      Love,
      Traci

  6. Traci- I have to admit, I’m not a big worrier BUT when I do worry it’s big. My husband told me once, “Satan always overplays his hand” . That really spoke to me because the unknown outcome in any situation is what Satan is counting on to cause us trouble! I think that your Mom’s poem sums that up too, the unknown always seems to be too much and when it’s all over we wonder what all the hoopla was about to begin with! These worrisome times can be huge in building our faith and endurance for our next big hill by “casting our cares” on Him and seeing His marvelous work in our lives! Your blog is just lovely and I always look forward to Wednesdays! I pray that you will let go of your worries and set out for that hill, confident that wherever that path takes you, your Lord is there!

    1. Jennifer,
      thank you so much for your words of encouragement. The “unknown” is what is causing me the most worry right now. I’m sure I am making too much of it. I pray that my faith will be bigger than my fears.
      Thank you for reading my blog and for leaving a comment. It blesses my heart!
      Traci

  7. I am so sorry. I completely understand. We are thinking about selling our house to help our finances and I would really like to talk to my dad about it. I know the one year anniversary is coming up for you…another hard day. I will be praying for you.

  8. I worry, too- all the time. I hate that I do. This post was great. I need to reread it again and again!

    Just wanted to let you know that I’m going to pray for you as soon as I finish this comment. I’m heartbroken for you that you can’t talk to your mom. I’m going to pray that you can get some comfort and peace from the Father she’s with right now. :)

    1. Sue,
      thank you for praying for me. How precious is your heart. I truly appreciate your prayers and your tender heart toward me. It is so hard not to be able to talk to my mom, but comments like these are bright spots in my day. Thank you!
      Traci

  9. I loved that poem so much. My neice is going through a tough time right now. I posted it to her on her facebook page. I hope it gives her the faith it gave you to make it through these hard times. I’m so sorry you are struggling right now. We all do it. I know you miss your Mom too. I miss mine as well. My mother and father have been gone for years. But you never outgrow your need for them, do you? Hang in there. You will make it through this time too. -Karen

    1. Karen,
      Thank you for your encouraging words. I am glad you liked the poem and I hope that it brings your niece some peace in whatever she is facing.
      Bless you!
      Traci

  10. This is such a beautiful post, it brought tears to my eyes. Your mother seemed like such a godly beautiful women! Love the poem too!! I believe as you look at it on your fridge that an be your pep talk from your momma!! I love reading the posts about your mom. I lost my mother almost 8 years ago so I completely understand your pain! I miss my mom’s words of encouragement too!! She was my rock!

    Thanks again for sharing!!

    Jen

    1. Jen,
      Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a comment. And you are right, my mom can still speak to me in so many ways. I actually hear her voice in my head all the time…the words that she has spoken to me all my life, and they give me strength.
      I am sorry you have lost your mother too. I know you understand.
      Bless you!
      Traci

  11. Thank you. I too am having numerous mountains to climb and changes ahead. This was amazing. I only hope that I can be half as supportive of a mother to my girls! Thank you, although its hard to sit at work and cry through your post!!!!

    1. Lisa,
      Thank you for this comment. I pray the Lord will give you strength as you face your mountains. Sorry to make you cry at work! :)
      Bless you!
      Traci

  12. I love your “Wednesdays with Wanda”. She must have been an amazing woman – and you were so lucky to have such a beautiful mom. Wanda reminds me of my mom. My mom has been gone fsince 1994, but I still miss her.

    Only our Moms and our Blessed Saviour could offer us such love and encouragement.

  13. Thank you for always speaking from your heart here. I look forward to your insights gained from your mom. I too have learned things like that, but have a hard time framing them in words like you do here. Keep up your encouraging thoughts because as I’m sure you’ve discovered, sometimes putting them into words helps us decipher what it is we are going through. Thank you for sharing your faith as well – it is encouraging to a fellow sister in Christ!

    1. Thanks for your comment Stephanie!
      You are right…putting my thoughts into words has truly helped me with the healing process in dealing with my mother’s passing. And if I can encourage even one other person through my blog, it is worth sharing.
      I visited your blog and saw the post about all the weight you have loss. You look great! Congrats! And you are running in a half marathon? Awesome! I wonder if I could do that? It’s tempting. :)
      Keep me posted.
      Traci

  14. Beautiful post! I love that poem. A great reminder for us all. Your mom sounds like a wonderful woman. Thanks for sharing her with us!

  15. Traci,
    Thanks for sharing, you’ve picked some of my favorite Bible verses! I too need these to remind me not to worry. What a comfort to know we can cast all our cares on Him.

    1. You are welcome, Joy. Those verses are some of my favorite too, but I had to read through them slowly this week and ask God to reveal them in a new, fresh way. There is so much power in the word of God.
      Bless you and thank you for stopping by!
      Traci

  16. My husband tells me I worry too much. But I know that the Lord can do all things if we will have faith in Him. Sometimes it’s hard to give up the worry though, especially if you are worrying about other people (which is what I’m doing this week). As long as we are striving to do what is right, and good, then the Lord will pick up the pieces and help us climb our hills and mountains. :)

  17. No Traci, thank YOU for sharing your thoughts with US.

    I lost my precious GM in October. She raised me, she was my mom and my best friend and there’s not a day that goes by where something reminds me of her and I miss her even more. I now realize that I am so much like her when I hear her words of wisdom coming out of MY mouth as I speak to my daughters (ages 10 & 27). It makes me realize that her memory lives on, through me, because she has left such a deep “loveprint” embedded in my heart and mind.

    So Miss Traci, rest assure that your mom has left you well equipped, with not only her wisdom but most importantly HIS WISDOM, to overcome any trial that may be set in front of you or climb any “hill” as steep as it may seem and that even though you long for her comfort your Heavenly Father knows your needs and has placed many people around you that will bring comfort to you THROUGH HIM.

    Big Hug!

    1. Irma,
      What a blessing your comment was to me! You are right that Mom has left a “loveprint” embedded in my heart and mind. I hear her words of wisdom everyday in my heart and mind. And her words were always full of God’s goodness and promises.

      I am so sorry for your loss. Grandmothers are so special, and yours sounds extra special.

      May God be near you as your continue to grieve.
      blessings,
      Traci

  18. Traci,

    I to struggle with worry and always have. I’ll try to share the short version of my story. Several years ago I found myself suddenly single with two young children. It was difficult and I struggled every day with fear, loneliness, etc. One particularly hard day, my eyes fell on a little popsicle stick sign my son had made in Sunday School. It said “I Will Trust God”. At that second I heard God whisper, “Are you?” I realized I wasn’t and prayed right then. I immediately felt the weight fall off of me. There was nothing I could do to change my situation but I realized I DIDN’T HAVE TO. I knew God would take care of me. He always had and I knew He always would. I would just forget it from time to time! Every day I find it’s up to me to CHOOSE to trust Him. Put that reminder up for yourself somewhere you will see it daily “I WILL TRUST GOD”. Then let out a big sigh and let Him carry your load! God bless!

    IvaG

    1. Iva,
      What a great story! And what a great reminder to trust Him! It IS a daily choice. Some days are harder than others to do that, aren’t they?
      Thank you so much for this sweet comment.
      Bless you!
      Traci

  19. Traci,

    Thank you so much for this post, your timing is perfect (perhaps even God given?).
    I so enjoy reading your blog. I will keep you in my prayers. Love and God Bless.

  20. I am a 37 yr old stay at home mom. My mother passed away about six yrs ago and she is all I had. I have been having a very hard time with her death and my worries are overwelming. My mom taught me about God and always made sure we were involved with the church and God was apart of our lives. I accidently stumbled across your website when looking for ideas and tips on how to re finish and old piece of furniture so I know I must have needed to read some of the scriptures on worries.. Wow!! Isnt it amazing how God works? scriptures say He wont give you anymore than you can handle. God must have known I have reached my point. I found you and we have some things in common with our mothers and our faith.. Please pray for me and thank you for posting scripture… God Bless you

    1. Melissa,
      you are so very welcome.
      I am so sorry for your loss. But I am so thankful that your Mom took the time to take you to church and point you to Jesus.
      It isn’t an accident you found my blog. And I pray you find encouragement that there is someone like you, similar age, and similar situation, who faces daily struggles just like you, but who is trusting Jesus all the way.
      I will lift you to the Father in prayer right now.
      It is so nice to meet you. Please keep in touch.
      Traci

  21. Thank you for your blog. My dad was diagnosed this week with stage IV lung cancer. Please pray for him and my family as we go through this trying time. I know that God is with us, we just have to remember to lean on Him.

  22. Traci,
    I miss Aunt Wanda so much. I am so glad you write about her weekly, and I feel her love through your posts! I can’t even possibly believe that we are so close to a year, how unreal!
    I want you to know although I love all your posts this one touched my heart in such a profound way today. As you know I am my third week of a seven week grad class at Asbury, and I am struggling to teach with 100% and be a 100% student. I am climbing up that hill in the poem, but it looks so high! I am hopeful that I will get through it, and realize it wasn’t so high! I am going to keep the scripture close to me as I feel apprehensive or doubtful of my abilities.
    Thank you for all your encouragement, and for sharing Aunt Wanda’s love to so many each week!
    Love you,
    Kelly

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