I love to try to fix things. I love to try to offer the perfect advice that will make everything alright. I love to be there and try to put myself in their place and help.
All of that is well and good, but many times, what is really needed is for me just to listen.
That’s it.
Surrender control, surrender thinking that somehow I know what is best, surrender trying to fix everything.
The only thing I can control is how I love God and love others. God is strong enough and more than capable of fixing the problems of the world. Infinitely more qualified and wise and in control.
Love, love, love. That is what I can control. Surrender to love. Big, expansive, never ending, unconditional, smiling, laughing, hugging love. Running headlong into a field of daisies love. Yelling loud from the top of a mountain love. Nestling deep into a comfy bed of blankets love.
2020 has taken a toll on all of us. I think all of us feel the heavy weight of it. But as long as there is God, there is hope. There is future. There is purpose. There is blessing. He lives and reigns forever and ever. He gives strength to the weak and hope to the hopeless.
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalm 42:5
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” – Psalm 62:5-6
Lately, I have been seeing exciting things happening around me. New babies being born, people falling in love, getting engaged and married. Creativity abounding. Love renewing and strengthening through hardship and trials. All blessings from God above. His way of showing us that there is hope, there is a future.
“Let yourself believe in great things – God is in the habit of making them happen.” – Anonymous
Happy/sad. I have referenced that phrase several times lately. Because that is how many of my days lately have been. Don’t be worried. It is not a cry for help, or a sign that I am depressed. As a writer, I enjoy the feeling of happy/sad, as it helps me feel more, experience more, empathize more.
What is happy/sad? Here is my not so exhaustive list, from movie quotes, to songs, to experiences.
-“Your problem is that you’re not happy being sad. But that’s what love is – happy sad.” (Sing Street, 2016)
-The feeling I get listening to “Auld Lang Syne.”
-Watching my husband drive off to work, missing him the minute he leaves, but loving the fact that I love him so much.
-Watching my children grow up into adults, missing those little child hugs, but enjoying our new adult conversations.
-Memories of my dad, now that he resides in heaven. The best of dads, missing him to tears, but so happy because I know we will see each other again.
-Seeing the leaves fall from the trees, the beauty of the colors tinged with the sadness of the bare trees. But knowing that spring will come.
-Remembrances of Christmases gone by, the special doll, the new bicycle. Knowing new memories are being made, every minute, even still. Happy/sad.
I know you all can add to this list, and I would love to hear your happy/sad things. Please comment below. Enjoy all the moments…..happy, sad, and in between. Relish them all. Live and love your life.
Love, Lisa
Here is a great version of “Auld Lang Syne” by Keith Harkin to enjoy.
