"Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere."

"Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere"  Glenn Turner

Why do I worry about things that I have NO control over?  CONSTANTLY!  

Take for example my Visa application to Brazil.  Even under normal circumstances, this can be a complicated thing.  Most of the website it in Portuguese, and when you do get to the English part, it can get confusing.  Then, once you fill out the necessary forms on line, and print them out, you have to be sure to put the photo in the exact position on the application.  THEN, you have to get a postal money order (which can only be obtained from the post office, which necessitates an hour wait in line because I can only go on my lunch break, which is the same time that everyone else is going!) AND can only be paid for with a debit card (that actually has a positive balance in the account).   "OK, well, then try THIS card".   Yeah, that is always fun with 20 people behind you...

THEN, you must get two overnight express mail packages with $18 postage (both ways) and fill out the appropriate addresses on the correct label.  

With signatures in the right place, and package mailed and delivered, it is a waiting game.  

I got my application back within 3 days of mailing it.  Which, for those knowledgeable in the Visa application process know, is not a good thing.  Apparently, there is a new form which is now necessary that proves that I have "the financial means to not only go to Brazil, but to pay to get back to the US" (flashback to the debit card fun at the post office!).  Well, I was missing that form.  So I got the form, and promptly mailed it back.

Now, to the worrying.  I leave for Brazil in about 10 days.  Within those 10 days are 2 weekends, and a holiday.  So, that is 5 business days.  If I don't get the Visa, I don't get to go.  So what do I do?  I worry.  And stress.  And worry some more.  

AND WHAT GOOD DOES THAT DO?  Will it speed up the process?  No.  Will the people in the consulate realize that I am really stressed, so they will put it on the top of the pile?  Wishful thinking.  

These past few months God has been trying to teach me so much about patience and reliance on Him.  And believe me, I am a slow learner.  I am sure that He is sitting up in Heaven, and shaking his head as He smiles to himself and says "you are making this so hard on yourself!".  I try to "let go" but then, for good measure, I feel the need to keep that little "pinky" of my hand grasping firmly on the problem, because, well frankly, because I have a hard time with letting go!  

So, I figured blogging about it, will let me face my worries head on, and call them what they are.  Unnecessary and fruitless.  A waste of good time.  As Leo Buscaglia said,

"Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy".  ~Leo Buscaglia

Well, I am all "sapped out".  Enough of this senseless worrying.  I am not going to stress over this visa any more.  If I get it in time, I will get to go.  If I don't, I won't.  Simple as that.  So, all done with worry.  At least for today.  Well, maybe for the next hour or so at least.  Or until I post this for sure.  

 

 Gah.... I am such a slow learner.