Grasp
One thing I learned in Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts – don’t hold onto things too tightly. Instead lay your hands open to accept God’s love. If we cling to something we can get tense, tightened shoulders, aching muscles, and pain.
I used to cling to control – over my family. I wanted to protect them – so I tried to keep control of everything that went on. I thought I could make sure nothing bad happened to them. – WRONG. My fear and control led to a very frustrated, angry person. Instead of enjoying each moment I got caught up in trying to lead and police everyone.
By letting go of my grasp – I opened myself to the guidance of a loving Father. I opened myself to the Holy Spirit. I grew in patience, in love, in gentleness. I even grew to like the new me.
I know I can never grasp the understanding of God – He is too big, too awesome and too powerful to be understood. But I can be reverent before Him, bless His name and want to live closer and closer to Him.
“The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom” (Isaiah 40:28, NIV).
Instead of grasp – I am learning to let go. Open palms. Accepting and loving each minute I am given.
Linking to Lisa-Jo’s Five-Minute Friday
So true.
Thanks so much for commenting.
Blessings,
Jan
The first step to relinquishing control issues over to god is to admit we have them. Thanks for your honesty Jan and may we all grow in our willingness to open our hands and trust our faithful God.
Brian,
Yes actually seeing the problems we have is the first step to having an honest relationship with God. All those ouchies inside us have to be dealt with don’t they?
Blessings,
Jan
Janis – this is very true. It is very hard to stand before Him with open palms and give everything back to Him. What a great reminder that we need to learn to let go! Not so easy, though, is it?
Tammy,
It is not easy at all – we want to keep things close to our chests. Disclosure even to God is difficult. But He sees everything anyway – so we might as well give it up to Him. Eh?
Blessings,
Jan