St. Padre Pio is often quoted as saying, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” In honor of his feast day, here’s an idea from the book Celebrating Saints and Seasons: Hundreds of Activities for Catholic Children to consider.
A Worry List
Make a worry list by writing down all the things that keep you awake at night and disturb your inner peace. — all that stuff unnecessarily drawing your focus away from Christ. Then place that list in the back of your Bible, a symbol for placing your worries in God’s hands. Talk to our Lord about it all. Turn it all over. O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! (response from the Surrender Novena)
Now, mark a note in your calendar for three months from now to check back on this worry list. That’s December 23, right before we celebrate the birth of Christ. What a great time to open that worry list, review it, and give thanks to the Waymaker for taking care good care of it all. And He will take care of it. What a nice Christmas gift to look forward to opening.
Quote to Ponder
“Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” ― St. Padre Pio
Scripture for Meditation
Can any of you by worrying add a moment to your life-span? ― Jesus to his disciples in Luke 12:25. Jesus to YOU, today!
If you’ve been journaling as was highlighted in the September 2020 episode of The Water Jar podcast, writing a worry list can also serve as a great journaling prompt!