LetsMoveToTheMoon

God, Technology, and Things That Make Us Want to Move to the Moon

Nervous is Good

March 3, 2010

Nervous is good.

First, what I’m not saying. I’m not saying that being overly anxious and worried and stressed out and jittery and scared is good. No; rather, Nervous is good.

Now here’s what I’m talking about. Nervous is a state of mind that shows that you recognize the significance of a weighty issue or event. Nervous proves that you are not numb to reality, that you are not ignorant of the importance of what’s happening.

Imagine a young, new father before his first child is born. Isn’t Nervous good here? This is a big deal! He had better be at least a little bit concerned about the imminence of this life-changing experience!

I suppose that Nervous becomes bad when it’s not approached appropriately (man, they should pay me to make alliterations). When Nervous becomes Freak-Out!, it’s no longer good. I certainly don’t have a five-step solution to preventing Nervous from becoming Freak-Out! (although I’d appreciate your thoughts on this in the Comments below), but I would argue that this is one of the most important aspects of Nervous. Recognize Nervous, acknowledge Nervous, admit Nervous, but don’t let Nervous get you.

If you’re curious, here’s my point: it’s right to be appropriately concerned about significant events in your near future, but the result of that concern—Nervous, as I’ve called it—must be enacted with that same appropriateness.

Oh, and in your state of Nervous, don’t forget:

For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? (Matthew 6:25)

Do you agree? Do you think Nervous is good, if managed appropriately? Or do you think Nervous will lead only to paralyzing results?

Talk to me.