Letting Go

When things veer off course in life, most people do one of two things – they clench their fists and try harder or they open their fists and let go. I was brought up to do the former – to hang on tight and keep going - and I am in good company. Most thrivers and achievers do the same.

On the other hand, when you have given something your best shot and things haven’t worked out, it may be time to just let go with as much grace and good nature as possible.

Sometimes it actually feels good to unclench that fist. Try it right now. Clench your fist and hold it! Squeeze tighter! You can do it! Harder! Harder!

Now let it go. Breathe. Relax your shoulders. Wiggle you head from side to side. Feels good, doesn’t it?

Sometimes I preach about this. Of course, the point is that when your fists are all knotted up and your face is set in one direction, there’s no room for the Holy Spirit to enter in.

The theme fits with Nicodemus who came to see Jesus by night (and then didn’t hear a word Jesus said) and with Peter (who thought he could walk across the water without keeping his gaze on his Master) and in plenty of other stories, too.

Today it fit for me. I really have wanted to ride my lovely little pink bike, and I actually managed to do it several times, and I love the idea of it and the way it feels to move through the air. . . But my doctor has told me that the continued tingling in my feet and legs is a sign (no, he didn’t say it was a sign from God) that it is not a good idea.

He said it nicely, “I do applaud your wanting to get more exercise and try a new thing, but maybe there’s another way to do it.” He let that sink in. “I’d hate to see you do any permanent damage. . .”

Kevin went with me to REI to take my beloved bike back. The clerk and the bike man were awfully kind when I couldn’t keep those tears from welling up in my eyes. I suppose my fists were pretty tight as I walked out of the store, and they have stayed that way all afternoon.

Now I am looking out at the ocean, and after I hit the Publish Post button, I am going to walk outside and gaze at this wonderful world God has made. Then I am going to open both hands and hold up them out to see how God fills them next.