What do I cling to?

What do we cling to?

It is an important question to ask ourselves, I think.

I cling to:

* The love and freedom I enjoy as an adopted daughter of the Living God. I don’t have to do or earn anything. I am lavishly loved. As a result of all God has done through Jesus, and continues to do through the Holy Spirit, I can live and not worry about much of anything. I am never alone or forsaken. He is not disappointed in me. He revels in my attempts to serve him as a response to our growing relationship. He’s got the big picture perfectly handled. My job is to love and be loved and use my life to honor my Dad.

* My family and dear friends. Being away and contemplating what changes could be in our future has confirmed for me that my family and friends are so dear to me. If called to do so, I would live apart from them but I don’t want to.  I think God has a different plan for me at this point. Whew!

* The freedoms and safety I enjoy because of where I live and the good things in place. Of course, either of those things could change quickly so I’d better not cling to those for my security or, if they were taken away, I would be lost.

* Our incomes. It’s true. Andy has earned a pension and saved like crazy for over 30 years. I worked very hard to earn my degrees, pay everything out of pocket, and to build a career that I love. I rest in the idea that we are ‘set’ for the future and that we should be in a place to bless many others along the way. The Bible is clear though; if we place our security in money and things, our security will rust away, just like the stuff will. This is a major challenge but, with God’s help, we can stay focused on what is really important…eternal riches.

*I cling to my rights as and American. That will end someday too.

I believe that a real problem for many of us is when we cling to the illusion of having control. Traveling shows a person’s character very quickly. You are out of control in a plane, while talking to a clerk at the counter, in a taxi, navigating a strange city with different…everything. I have to say, Andy has surprised me. He is relaxed and cheerful. He is speaking French with everyone and makes me laugh as he reads the street signs with his nasal accent. I am loving our time together.

The lady who owns and operates the B&B we just left told us her daughter is brilliant and in medical school, but is anorexic. She is hyper organized and tidy. My thoughts go instantly to how she is trying to gain a sense of control. Poor thing sounds tormented. The 12-Step Program of AA focuses on giving up control and I have personally experienced and witnessed what that can do.

Gratitude fills my chest right now as I remember back to very dark days when I felt depressed, hopeless, finished. As I sought help and healing, I learned to trust and relinquish control. Thankfully, I learned to trust the God who made me and who really has the answers, not myself or some fictional deity. My thoughts are not his thoughts. My ways are not his ways. What seems right to me is not NECESSARILY right to him. I NEED to seek his wisdom to have a great life; thankfully He provides!

He guides me quietly and where He has brought me…is more than I ever expected.

He came so we could have life, and have life abundantly. Eternal life starts the minute the heart chooses to trust Jesus. I am living my eternal, abundant life and am so so so thankful. Thank you Lord!