Daily Wisdom 02-08-2005 The Philippians Four-Six Basket

"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." Philippians 4:6 AMP
Can you still smell the vinegar we added to the dye tablets every year to color Easter eggs? The trickiest part of all was to put a pin prick in the ends of the egg and blow it out, then dip it. I never could do that .

It is 'the season'. At stores all over our city, there are ready made, pre-assembled Easter baskets of all sizes and kinds on display. They are beautifully arranged and wrapped with everything in them from chocolate-covered-marshmallow-peanut-butter eggs to small, soft cuddly bunnies to tiny digitalized computer games.

Although it's spring and the weather's gorgeous, nonetheless I found myself in a blue funk not long ago. There was major crisis, nothing was seriously wrong; I was just out of sorts. I thought that perhaps I had taken on a few too many projects. I seemed to be feeling overwhelmed by those nebulous things that float around in the background.

Something or someone, triggered my memory, and The Basket came to mind. It has always worked, so, immediately I envisioned it. As always, it was at the foot of the cross. Just sitting there, empty. (Funny, it is always empty.) As quickly as persons, projects, situations, or upcoming events came to mind, I put them into The Basket. Whatever came to mind; in it went.

Soon the thoughts slowed down, then there was nothing more to put in. "At least not for now," I thought. I actually felt lighter, physically. "Amazing!" I said out loud to myself, even though I figured that is what would happen. My attitude turned right around.

Last evening I read a magazine article which prompted me to give my basket a new name. The article was about anxiety, and it said we can feel overwhelmed and tired because we are carrying around burdens we don't need to shoulder. It was based on a bible verse I have known for years. The first half is: don't worry, don't fret, don't be anxious. The second half is: tell God your definite requests and be thankful for everything He has done for you.

From now on, I'll be putting my "stuff" into the Philippians Four-Six Basket. Then I can get on with the second half of the verse!

If you're interested, there is more information about:
The most important event of all time and
The most important Book of all time.

Contributed by Sally I. Kennedy boca7565@bellsouth.net. Sally is the author of "52 Little Parables from Ireland" Creation House Press.