What If . . . ?

“What if Mike and I get into an accident?” I asked my friend Julie over the phone.

“Um-hmm,” she said gracefully. Julie knows me well. She knows that I often get anxious, especially about traveling. I’d told her that Mike and I were planning a short getaway, but as the day drew nearer, I was having second thoughts.

“What if I become ill? Or the kids or grandkids need something while we’re away?” I said.

Worry isn’t a strong enough word for what I do. I let my imagination carry me away and think of the worst possible catastrophes that could happen. I’ve dealt with this anxiety for more than 30 years. It’s bad enough that I worry, but even worse that my worries affect my loved ones. Mike has to try to plan and enjoy a trip while dealing with my constant anxiety. I didn’t like doing that to him.

So I turned to Julie. Julie’s a good listener. She’s also a great spiritual counselor. “What if,” she said, “you allowed God to handle this situation?” As I listened to her advice, I nodded and smiled. I felt my muscles relax. I could do that.