Recently, while having lunch after doing a short walk at Donaghy’s Hill, https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/franklin-gordon-wild-rivers-national-park/donaghys-hill , we met Linda and Jim, a couple from Scotland, who are cycling around Tasmania. We offered to fill their water bottles from the bigger bottle in our ute, and they were very grateful. We met them again a few days later at Mt Field National Park, where we were both camping. https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/mount-field-national-park
We, however, were in our caravan, and they were in a small tent, carrying everything on their bicycles (not electric ones). We thought we were living frugally, but when we saw Linda and Jim, we felt like we had the height of luxury. They are similar age to us, but much fitter than we are. It was forecast to be 2°C on Friday morning, so we invited them to breakfast in our van. We served them tea and coffee, hot porridge, a boiled egg, and toast with Tasmanian leatherwood honey.
Although they could have cooked their own food on their small gas burner, they said they enjoyed the change. We certainly enjoyed talking to them and sharing our heated van. It was amazing to us to hear about how they manage to cycle day after day, carrying so little. They buy only enough perishable food for each day. They said that they don’t worry about much. They never book accommodation, as they never know if they are going to make it to the next place. In that case, they just pull out their tent and stay where they can.
We, on the other hand, have several back-up plans for camping if our first option is not available. After breakfast, Linda and Jim cycled off, hoping to get to Hobart, 70km away. We got organised to do a 3-hour walk. Even for that, I need to prepare. Will I need a coat? Will I need a raincoat? Mustn’t forget sunscreen, and both hat and beanie.
We were very impressed with Linda and Jim’s attitude. They weren’t stressed about stuff. They made do with what they had. Linda said, “We don’t need much.” In fact, last year when she got home from a long cycling trip in South America, she decluttered her house and gave a lot of stuff to charity.
It was really good to meet this lovely couple. They are living simply and enjoying God’s wonderful creation in our lucky country.
Jesus had a lot to say about worry, and all the stuff we think we need:
Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:24-35 (NIV)
Prayer
Thank you, Heavenly Father, that you do know about what we need, and that you care about us. Forgive us for worrying about earthly things more than we should. Forgive us for trying to be mini gods. Help us to trust that You have everything in Your hands. Open our hearts and minds to see what You want for us, and for the world. May we seek to do Your good and gracious will in all things. May we reflect Your goodness in all we think, do and say. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
What about You?
What do you think of the Bible verse? Is God telling us to be lazy and irresponsible without a care for anything?
Are you unnecessarily burdened with worry about your life, food, and clothes?
At this time, are you genuinely feeling the pinch? If so, may I encourage you to reach out. One of these Christian charities may be able to help:
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/financial-assistance
Lifeline: Phone 13 11 14
Comments
2 responses to “Don’t Worry about Tomorrow”
Thank you both so much for your kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness on both occasions. We really appreciated the water the first time we met and thoroughly enjoyed our delicious breakfast and your lovely company at Mount Field.
We find that it isn’t what we see or do when we are on a cycling trip that is the highlight of our trips, however it is the lovely people that we meet.
Thank you again, it was all very much appreciated.
And for us, a blessing to meet you! Safe trip home.