Last year for Lent, I tried to give up worrying. It was only slightly successful. I'm going to try again this year.

I believe at the end of my life, I will regret being anxious about things that turned out not to matter, things I had no control over, things that I should have kept my big nose out of.

I think back to grade school, high school, and even recent history, to the people and situations that caused me anxiety and sleepless hours and see what a waste of time and energy it turned out to be.

Enough. So today, to get me started, I ponder the words of writer Joyce Rupp.

Do not hold grudges. Let go of what steals your joy.

Maintain kindness toward those who display a negative attitude.

Refuse to make an enemy of those who consider you their enemy.

Reconcile, even when you know it was not your fault.

Try to perceive the deeper reason for someone's hurtful behavior.

Do not dwell on troubling memories.

Remember that you cannot force anyone to change.

(S-R archive photo)

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