Terry’s Take… Beyond Our Control, Part 2
Last week, I ended by saying, “I’m learning that I have not only to offer God my own creativity and responsibility, but to make that offer freely, without trying to control God or anyone else.”
How do we do it? The old adage says, “Let go and let God.” We can offer ourselves freely to God and to others and then let go of the outcomes. For example, in pastoral work, I cannot know whether the person whom I am serving will benefit. But I can trust that God will somehow weave my actions into a larger, meaningful pattern.
Slowly I am discovering that Jesus’ story and mine are intertwined, like threads in those old friendship bracelets that we used to weave back in college. The threads of both joy and suffering are like bright threads that contribute to the pattern of our stories with God. Being open to God creates an awareness in your life that God is always with you. As one of my favourite saints once said: “Christ above me, Christ below me, Christ on my left and Christ on my right, Christ in front of me, Christ behind me, Christ without and Christ within me.” – From the “Breastplate of St. Patrick”.
I have found when I focus on God’s presence in my life and the love, mercy, and peace only He can bring… things out of my control are no more a worry. Why? Because they’re in His control and He only wants the best for me.