As I was praying, getting up in the middle of the night, as I often do, I was pouring my heart out to Jesus. I was telling him about all the worries I have and what might happen to me, my family, even my country. I think they are the kind of worries that everyone has. Of course I became a little obsessive, my mind raced, and I felt anxious. I was not in a good way.
Then, as I sat listening to Jesus, the words came to me. “It is not about you!” I remembered that God has always been with me and will always be with me. The words. “it is not about you”, began to sink in. If it is not about me then what is it about? The answer came to me, “It is about you serving others and your relationship with God.”
Immediately my focus changed as I began to realize that most of my worse days and feelings happen when I get, “all concerned about myself and not about others.” I feel and think better when I realize that it is not what I want, but about what God wants. How often do I pray, “not my will, but thine be done”? When I start thinking that I have to be me and not his, anxiety and worry creep in. My best days and nights are when I put God first and me and my concerns last.
I am reminded of the Prayer of St. Francis, O Master, grant that I may never seek so much to be consoled, as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved, as to love with all my soul.” I would also add to be served as to serve others.
“Daniel, it is not about you! It is about knowing, loving, and serving God and others, which will result in you being happy and fulfilled.” O God, grant that I may love thee always. Then do with me as you will.
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
