Loosening my grip
In life, I found that I have always clung to the familiar. The certain.
That principle stood true when dealing with everything from foods, to friends, careers, and beliefs. However, looking back, it is hard not to be overwhelmed with the realization that I have spent so much energy in my life shielding myself from unfamiliar situations. These situations ranged from not trying foods that I *think* I won't like, to avoiding people, places and situations that I wasn't familiar with.
Thankfully, not everyone is like this, and it's definitely a good thing. I have found that I have held close many things in my life that I should have loosened my grip on years ago.
Lately there has been a sadness that has lingered in my heart that I haven't been able to shake. For the past (almost) two years, my emotions have primarily been dictated by Steven's health. I have rarely felt sadness, joy, fear or anxiety about anything other than situations directly related to my husband's health and the subsequent well-being of my family. However, lately, other emotions have started sneaking in.
Maybe this is a good thing. Maybe it's about time. Maybe it's a sign that I have started moving forward... Maybe.
Going through a major life changing situation forces you to loosen your grip on those that weren't willing to come with you through your journey. My reach didn't extend far enough to hold on to them...
Unfortunately, cancer is not comfortable and I pray it isn't familiar to you. Thankfully, it also isn't certain, which is why we are where we are today.
So I take a break from our journey, only to find that I am not the same person that I was when I started. My eyes are opened wider. My grip has loosened and I have let some things, and some people, go. However, I have also reached out to others along the way. I branched out. I was forced to venture out into the unfamiliar. I gave up on comfortable because I had found it was only an illusion, and at best, temporary.
Today, while asking God to help me let loosen my grip on another circumstance and disappointment, it became so clear to me that holding on to things only prevents better things from being within your reach. (And, yes, I know it's been said a million times. Still, today, it felt that the message was meant for me.) I don't believe God intended for our hands to grasp things, but to be open to people. I don't believe he meant for us to hold a few close, in turn preventing us from touching others.
I can help people who couldn't help me. I can care about people who will not care about me. I can open my eyes and see things clearer than before and be open to being led wherever God chooses...even if it is unfamiliar and uncomfortable.
Yes, my grasp must be loosened.
But, I probably still won't eat salad.
That principle stood true when dealing with everything from foods, to friends, careers, and beliefs. However, looking back, it is hard not to be overwhelmed with the realization that I have spent so much energy in my life shielding myself from unfamiliar situations. These situations ranged from not trying foods that I *think* I won't like, to avoiding people, places and situations that I wasn't familiar with.
Thankfully, not everyone is like this, and it's definitely a good thing. I have found that I have held close many things in my life that I should have loosened my grip on years ago.
Lately there has been a sadness that has lingered in my heart that I haven't been able to shake. For the past (almost) two years, my emotions have primarily been dictated by Steven's health. I have rarely felt sadness, joy, fear or anxiety about anything other than situations directly related to my husband's health and the subsequent well-being of my family. However, lately, other emotions have started sneaking in.
Maybe this is a good thing. Maybe it's about time. Maybe it's a sign that I have started moving forward... Maybe.
Going through a major life changing situation forces you to loosen your grip on those that weren't willing to come with you through your journey. My reach didn't extend far enough to hold on to them...
Unfortunately, cancer is not comfortable and I pray it isn't familiar to you. Thankfully, it also isn't certain, which is why we are where we are today.
So I take a break from our journey, only to find that I am not the same person that I was when I started. My eyes are opened wider. My grip has loosened and I have let some things, and some people, go. However, I have also reached out to others along the way. I branched out. I was forced to venture out into the unfamiliar. I gave up on comfortable because I had found it was only an illusion, and at best, temporary.
Today, while asking God to help me let loosen my grip on another circumstance and disappointment, it became so clear to me that holding on to things only prevents better things from being within your reach. (And, yes, I know it's been said a million times. Still, today, it felt that the message was meant for me.) I don't believe God intended for our hands to grasp things, but to be open to people. I don't believe he meant for us to hold a few close, in turn preventing us from touching others.
I can help people who couldn't help me. I can care about people who will not care about me. I can open my eyes and see things clearer than before and be open to being led wherever God chooses...even if it is unfamiliar and uncomfortable.
Yes, my grasp must be loosened.
But, I probably still won't eat salad.
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