Lay Aside All Earthly Cares

I spent last night tossing and turning in bed, thinking about the challenges ahead. It feels like I’m at the top of the first drop of a roller coaster. You want to back out, but it’s too late, you are locked in. At this point there is no turing back. I read up on my assigned activity, Bulk Distribution. Forklifts, Semi trucks, and heavy lifting are all in the job description. Ummm…..yeah, about that.  I’m not sure they fully thought through their decision to assign me here. Unless they plan on giving pip-squeak me packs of bubble gum to distribute in bulk on a little red Radio Flyer wagon tied to a tricycle, I’m not exactly sure how this is all going to go down.  And if they give me a forklift, I might end up like this poor Russian guy.

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I have a feeling my time in “Bulk Distribution” is going to be a rather hilarious hulabaloo.  I read up on the “hardship codes” that more or less briefly details some of the obstacles for this disaster. They include: water disruption, power outages, limited food availability, extreme cold, housing shortages, difficult working conditions, limited health care access, extreme emotional stress, difficult travel conditions, limited transportation, and poor air quality.  Processing the fact that I am actually going, along with all of the potential difficulties was running through my mind all night. At one point in the night, while drifting in and out of sleep as I listened to Ancient Faith Radio, the phrase “faith without works is dead,” popped out at me. That’s one of my favorite verses and it seems so appropriate for this point in time. In the morning I went to Liturgy. As we sang the words: “lay aside all earthly cares,” I started to feel better about my situation. Lay aside all earthly cares. It is so simple, so poignant. Give your worries to God and let Him take care of them as He sees fit. That’s all you have to do. There is no need to worry about things of which you have no control. After Liturgy, Father and I said the Prayer before a Journey. It’s a beautiful prayer. Here are some of my favorite words:

Lord Jesus Christ my God, be my Companion, guide and protector during my journey. Keep me from all danger, misfortune and temptation….During my journey surround me with Your holy angels and keep me safe from seen and unseen dangers. Grant that I may carry out my plans and fulfill my expectations according to Your will. Help me to see the beauty of creation and to comprehend the wonder of Your truth in all things. For You are the way, the truth and the life, and to You I give thanks, praise and glory forever. Amen