I know, the subject heading is a little tacky, and also a direct steal from that ever so popular song many people love to hate, Don’t Worry, Be Happy. I found myself reminded of the song when going through some of my Tweets on my Twitter feed. One person I follow is on the road traveling and he said he woke up to someone whistling that very song outside his motel room door this morning. He alluded to the fact that it didn’t really upset him, he just wished he could sleep a little longer.

But, as tacky as the phrase may seem, there’s great truth in those words. Now I’m not saying we should live in a world of escapism where we ignore everything around us that might make us feel uncomfortable. However, I am saying we tend to live in a world where many people simply worry too much. Yes, there are plenty of things to cause worry today. High gas prices, housing foreclosures, falling dollar and simply trying to make ends meet in a world that seems to be spinning out of control. Then, if you toss in family issues, wild teens, fighting spouses, or whatever else might be going on, stress does indeed seem to linger around every corner.

In this fast paced world, some crave for the good old days when life was slower and everything seemed calmer. However, a return to the good old days accomplishes little. As a matter of fact, the good old days had its share of issues too. Reality is this, no matter what time period one may long for, every time period had its share of problems. Some two thousand years ago, when you might think life was grand, people were encouraged to not worry about tomorrow. If the birds of the air are cared for, rest assured humans will make it through whatever a new day brings too.

As trite as it may sound, when life seems to really be pulling you down, try humming a few bars of Don’t Worry Be Happy. Who knows, it might just change your attitude a little so you can smile.

A Fellow Sojourner,
Dr. Rus