When I started working a few months ago I was swamped with a set of letters only grown-ups get: ads from insurance companies, health insurance, taking care of potential accidents at work, an insurance if I break someone’s stuff, investing my newly earned money in a fond…the list was long.
So that’s what grown-ups do.
Taking care of insurances.
Taking care of the future.
In German we have a word for that: “vorsorgen”.
It means to take care of something in advance.
Even though I am glad for the German welfare system and the different insurances, this word left me wondering.
Vorsorgen has a second meaning: to worry about something in advance.
And this is rather a burden than a blessing. For our future, but even more for our present.
When we worry about the future and our safety, we actively keep our hearts in distress.
We unconsciously choose this state of uncertainty and worry because we don’t want to let go.
Even though, as much as we worry and seemingly plan ahead, we can’t control this world, someone else’s life or our own. We can create a certain framework, but we can never guarantee that tomorrow will be as planned.
If we worry about the future and occupy our minds and hearts with tomorrow, we miss out on something very important: today.
We walk by today’s nature and beauty.
We miss out on great conversations.
We overlook amazing people who want to walk life with us.
We forget to take a break for our bodies and souls because we are anxious to be left out.
We are left empty today because we chase the riches of tomorrow.
Take in today, share its joys and challenges.
Don’t miss out on today’s blessings because you wait for tomorrow.
This day will come anyway, no matter how much or little you plan.
thisiskatha.com 
Thanks, Amy!
“Take in today, share its joys and challenges.” <---- this is my favorite line because I think many times we share the joys but try to hide the challenges from those around us. It is in both the joys and the challenges that we learn and grow.
Thanks, Jeanne!
I am, spent my teenage years in Uganda and South Africa. Being a TCK is such a blessing, despite all the challenges. Hope your teens are enjoying it! Thanks for visiting!
Hi there, Katha. Thanks for the visit from FMF. I couldn't agree more! Let's not miss todays joys for worrying about tomorrow! Are you a TCK? My two teen kids are too. 🙂
Katha, what a spot-on post! You share such strong truths. This especially resonated (and convicted) me: “When we worry about the future and our safety, we actively keep our hearts in distress.
We unconsciously choose this state of uncertainty and worry because we don't want to let go. ”
I find it hard to let go sometimes. I like to think I'm in control. 🙂 It's only when I let go that I can truly embrace the treasures of today.
So glad I met you through FMF. 🙂
Thanks for visiting, Martha!
katha, i'm your neighbor at FMF:) i think we have met b/f! i enjoyed your post today. i especially enjoyed the part about vorsorgen. it was very interesting:)