On Life 42 – The Box of Worries – September 6, 2014

   During our life time, we undergo many pains and tribulations. Our burdens get heavier: for we encounter a variety of problems and personalities. Our problems get more complicated when we get confused, which us why we should never give in to frustration. Rather, we should try to appease our concerns and worries: that we might think calmly and rationally to find solutions. In so doing, we should look to God for help and wisdom.

   It is said that, “When we write our problem down, we discover half the solution.” Here, I recall the story of an overburdened person whose problems confused. In effect, he could not find solutions. Realizing this, he decided to write down his concerns, then throw them in a box he called, “the box of worries”. He used to do so all week long, then open the box every Thursday and sit quietly to read what he had written. Then, it came to pass that the man discovered that what he wrote were either false fears or ones that have not ended or not about to end. Likewise, he discovered that many of his worries did not really exist!

Thus, we should take the following points into consideration:

   First, we think that certain situations will become crises. Hence, we got worried. Yet, most of these situations are figments of our imagination: they did not happen. It is said, “The problem is that most people think with their hopes or fears, not their minds.”

   Second, real problems which you can devise a way to solve. So, start working on a solution diligently, depending on God’s help.

   Third, crises which we cannot solve. So, we should put them before God, seeking His intervention with them with His endless wisdom.

   Life is never void of pain or trouble. God allows them to happen that we might train ourselves and enhance our skills: for the difficulties we go through increase our love, patience, endurance, and mental adeptness, which boosts our creativity. As I write these words, I feel I see a knight crossing fences with his horse. The more training he gets, the more skillful he becomes, only to cross higher fences and achieve what people call “impossible”. It is said, “A problem is but an opportunity for you to do your best.” Do not make problems overcome you; make them a training for your will and confidence and a way to attain your ambition, believing that God strengthens whoever resorts to Him.

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center