If you've ever been involved in any sort of 12 step group, you'll find that step 3 states: "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over the the care of God as we understood Him." If, like me, you prefer to feel in control of your own life, you probably find the concept of surrendering rather distasteful. The very word "surrender" tends to conjure images of soldiers on a battle field, lifting a white flag, handing over their freedom and lives to an enemy. Or perhaps you envision the giving away of your own freedom when you consider surrendering to anyone.
James 3:17 says: But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
Perhaps the lesson in the scripture is that the surrendering of our will to God isn't at all distasteful. Perhaps in that act of obedience we can finally realize that if God is in control we don't have to be. Perhaps not having to be in control of all things at all times, could lift an anvil sized weight off of our collectively hunched shoulders.Sort of like the 5 levels of grief, I've come up with the 8 levels of surrendering "it" to God:
1. YOU can have it! (said through clenched teeth, knowing full well that we'll take back whatever "it" is the moment it rears it's ugly head)
2. You can have it... (said shyly, after realizing that we've taken "it" back, yet again)
3. You CAN have it! (said with enthusiasm, once we've decided that we in fact, DON'T want "it" back)
4. YOU TAKE IT! (said with tears of frustration when we've realized we've inadvertently allowed "it" to be in control yet again)
5. You still have it, right? (said when doubt rises up in the pits of our stomachs)
6. You DO still have it! (said with a smile, when something or someone reminds us that we don't have to be in charge)
7. Ummm, God? I think I took it back again. (said a bit sheepishly when our controlling selves stepped in again)
8. Whew! I'm sure glad I don't have it anymore. (said with a smile while sharing your story with another)
Not my usual light-hearted, find the humor in life, fare, but perhaps a bit of self actualization. Hope ya'll don't mind too much :).
Witty quip of the day: I give, I yield, I surrender, I submit... Uncle!!! Try it. It's actually quite freeing.
