If you hear me going around saying, "Va Bene," it's because I've adopted a new attitude – a new mentality about life, if you will.
Last week I posted a blog and titled it, "Let's Go AWOL." I was fed up! I had experienced a bad week and was ready to throw in the towel. So during one of my many meltdowns, Linda looked at me and said, "I'm stressed too but sometimes you just have to say, 'va bene' and go on with it!" I totally burst out laughing when she said it. First of all, because she used no Italian accent so the way it came out was just too funny!!! And secondly, because it was a great reminder that even in the midst of the "junk" of life, it's still gonna be all right!
I came to know and understand this phrase while in Sicily. "Va bene" is what Italian people say when asked, "Come sta?" (How are you?) But it is more than that, it is an attitude. You see they say "va bene" about lots of things. They maintain this relaxed and "it's gonna be all right" attitude about life in general. So, what does "va bene" really mean?
Va Bene means – "it's all right, it's okay, it's all good" … in other words, "no worries, don't fret, it's gonna be all right!"
Matthew 6:25, 31 and 34 says …
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Philippians 4:6-7 says …
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This reminds me of what my attitude should be like all the time … "va bene"! Not an "I don't care" kind of philosophy, but rather a philosophy that says, "God is in control. God will take care of me. In Christ, I'm gonna be all right (Actually, I'm going to be more than all right!!)."
So, the next time you're weary or burdened, frustrated and just plain done, remember to say "va bene" and let go of whatever is getting on your nerves!
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