Letting Go

Over the years, God has led me to let go of many things in my life. It started when I was a child. We moved quite a bit as I was growing up, so I learned that if I held on too tightly to missing old friends, I wouldn't make new ones. I learned that God brings people into our lives for a season, and to appreciate them while I have them.

God has also led me to let go of my desires. When my oldest child was a baby, I worked full-time. I wanted so badly to be a stay-at-home mom, but it was financially impossible. I spent so many days crying, so many days angry at God for not changing my situation. I finally let go of my desire, and told God I was willing to do whatever He wanted, including working full-time. I was finally at peace with my circumstances. Two months later, He performed a miracle, and I've been a stay-at-home for the last ten years.

Eight years ago, before my youngest child was even born, He led me to let go of my children. He showed me that they are His anyway, and He can do with them as He chooses. Sometimes that still takes my breath away and makes my heart beat a little faster.

About three years ago, God led me to let go of old, haunting memories. The memories were those that kept me bound in gult and shame. When I laid them down at the foot of the cross, I stood up in freedom.

More recently, God has led me to let go of material possessions. (Tough one for me.) He's teaching me to be content with what I have. I'm learning that even if I lost all material possessions, I have everything I need in Him.

Finally, He's now leading me to let go of the future...my plans, things I thought the future would hold. It's as if He's taken my tiny part of the world, flipped it upside down, and is asking me to let things go instead of desperately holding on to them. If the past is any indication of the future, I know that letting go will lead me to cling more tightly to Him.