The wild fires consuming hectares of forest, and destroying scores of homes north of Athens, Greece is a reminder that in the midst of a pandemic over thinking our own personal issues can overwhelm us, sufficiently to reach for anti anxiety medication dulling our senses.
John Newton (the author of "Amazing Grace") learned from years spent sailing the world as a simple seaman, that life's storms can appear to be much more menacing, when our thoughts compel us to believe that all is lost, and we cannot possibly survive.
“We can easily manage if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed to it. But the load will be too heavy for us if we carry yesterday's burden over again today, and then add the burden of the morrow before we are required to bear it.” ~ John Newton
What then to do when our thoughts over burden us with anxiety, calculated to reduce us to a helpless victim of our pessimistic perceptions, paralyzing our ability to live for the day?
There is a scene (1) in Frank Capra's film, "It's a Wonderful Life" where the leading protagonist (George Bailey) played by James Stewart is about to end his life, the result of not being able to cope with his troubles. As if by chance an angel appears next to James Stewart's character, encouraging him to patiently deal with his issues, for tomorrow will provide the remedy. That angel is theatrical projection for the interior voice, pleading with us to trust its guidance leading us out of our troubles.
Angel means messenger. Angels are messengers sent to us by The Father.
Here's a link to a restored, colorised version of "It's a Wonderful Life". Patience with the short advert.
(1) https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7vfx5k
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