August 23, 2011 - No Worries, Mate

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 
1 Peter 5:7

     The 1986 movie Crocodile Dundee brought Australia front and center to Americans who'd never given much thought to the land down under, since it's so far away. The movie triggered a craze for all things Australian and changed travel destinations for many adventurous people. I can't prove it but the movie's success probably played a big role in the 1988 start and subsequent success of Tom's all-time favorite restaurant, Outback Steakhouse. 

     My favorite Australian phrase is "No worries, mate" which, according to the Aussie slang dictionaries I read, is a phrase of assurance. According to the article "How a Two-Word Aussie Catchphrase Can Change Your Life Forever" in David Damron's personal development blog, it's an Australian way of life from which we Americans could learn some balance since it's not all about the beer. According to Damron, Aussies take proactive steps to live the "no worries" lifestyle.

1) Stay debt free (Does Dave Ramsey have a summer home in Australia??)  Many Aussies stay free of debt except for their home mortgages and Austrailians even pay these off at a much faster rate than we do in the States.

2) Don't overreact. 

3) Take life in stride. Life happens, let it happen

4) Love your life. 
     While there's no direct spiritual teaching in these ideas, they do follow Christ's principles. He tells us in His Word to cast our worries on Him and to "Fear Not!'

"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear,

but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" 

Romans 8:15

And isn't fear the root cause of worry? No fear, no worries. If our Abba says, there's nothing to fear, then there's no reason to overreact. If we're taking care of business and have our appetites under control, then we have fewer worries. If someone seems to be manipulating and scheming, we can be still, remember Who's God, cast the anxious thoughts His way and let it go. 

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; 

do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." 

Psalm 37:7

 If I fall but repent, Abba says, "No worries, child." If I've offended someone and sincerely ask for forgiveness, trying to make restitution and peace, but the other party refuses to forgive, "No worries, child. That's not your problem anymore." We need to actively fling away from us the worry leeches that want to attach themselves to us. For today, pursue  "no worries, mate."

http://www.dragosroua.com/how-a-two-word-aussie-catchphrase-can-change-your-life-forever/