Turning it over
“I abandon all that I think I am, all that I hope to be, all that I believe I possess. I let go of the past, I withdraw my grasping hand from the future, and in the great silence of this moment, I alertly rest my soul.” -Howard Thurman, Deep Is the Hunger, Inwardoutward.org, Daily Quote August 7, 2018. Church of the Saviour
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The first line, “I abandon all that I think I am,” reminds me of the liturgy in the celebration of a marriage when the couple exchange rings. “N, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of God.” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 317). Of course, Thurman goes even deeper than the vow at the exchange of rings. This prayer now turns over to God all that we think we are, all that we might hope to be, all that we think we possess, our past, and the future. The result, in the silence of the moment, is that we mindfully rest into our soul, the God within us, and find that peace that words cannot describe.
This is freedom. No longer in charge. Doing the next right thing but not worrying about the results. Trying to be the person God created us to be, not the person others may be calling us to be. Discerning and then doing what we think we are uniquely called to do. Hoping to find direction through spiritual practices and inner work and living in community. Listening. Listening to other people’s story. At the right time, telling our story. Learning how to forgive and to be forgiven. Being always grateful. Becoming a servant leader.
This is the life of surrender.
Joanna joannaseibert.com