Reverse Engineering Behaviour

In our times of worry we're often a pretty poor version of ourselves. We're irritable, selfish (especially if the worry is concerning finances), & we miss out on genuinely joyful moments because we aren't present. (Or is that just me!?)

I have no idea what your current worries concern. I do know, though, that there is a person you want to be: the best version of yourself.

So, who is that person?

Think on it for a minute.

My answer: I want to be calm, reassuring, and a person who speaks faith no matter the circumstances.

Here's how it works: you're mostly worrying because you don't know the outcome. As humans, we hate living in the unknown, in that limbo space.

So, for a minute, let yourself imagine that what you're worrying about happens.

Now side point, don't try to solve the problem. You can't carry tomorrow's problems with today's grace. Corrie Ten Boom addresses this in a wonderful conversation with her dad actually, let me find the quote...

"Father sat down on the edge of the narrow bed. "Corrie," he began gently, "when you & I go to Amsterdam-when do I give you your ticket?"

I sniffed a few times, considering this.

"Why, just before we get on the train."

"Exactly. & our wise Father in heaven knows when we're going to need things, too. Don't run out ahead of Him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart & find the strength you need-just in time." Oof. Love it.

So we aren't going to solve it. We're going to ask this question: "In light of the worst happening, how will future me want me to behave today?"

Honestly? Future you would probably not want you to have snapped at your kids today. Selfish behaviour probably won't top the list. I'm sure future you would answer with, "to behave like the best version of me".

Take away the unknown & the worry & we get down to the bare bones of it: we want to be the best versions of ourselves at all times. That's why we have regrets - they are moment when we have fallen short of who we want to be.

We often control things when we feel most unprotected. Knowing God is your protector, even in the future if the worst happens, how will you behave today?