Our sermon in church yesterday was about igniting our inner spark in a yearning for God. This faith…this longing to be close to the Source, the Light…can wane or even extinguish completely in our everyday busyness. Cares and worries become a distraction. Worries about health, finances, relationships…these things can keep us focused on the small screen and forget the big picture.

I have taken a little break the last week or two to focus and meditate on the important things in life…the bigger picture. I’ve been worried about things that are entirely out of my control. I have had to let go of some things in order to keep my love light burning. I’ve had a friend in my life for the last two years who was an incredible comfort to me when I was navigating the early stages of my grief. As time has passed, he has found an amazing woman to share his love with. I am profoundly happy for them both because she is also a friend of mine. And…I was deeply saddened for myself. He had become a touchstone…one to whom I could turn when things were hard and he would always offer the right words of encouragement…he was always there for me. I came to take that for granted as though it would always be this way. When I was bored, he offered a delightful distraction. When I yearned for intellectual repartee, he was there with quotes and biblical references. And, as sometimes happens in the closest of friendships, I have had to back away out of respect for his new relationship. He never would have said anything. He didn’t have to. I just knew. It was time to let go. But this is ok. This is a good thing. Because my focus hasn’t been where it needed to be. It made me realize I have been staring at the wrong screen.

Change…real, deep, meaningful change…is seldom easy. We get in our comfort zone and stay there till it isn’t comfortable anymore. It doesn’t mean I don’t love the heck out of him. It means I love him so much as my dear friend that I only want his happiness. And…conversely…I love God so much more that I yearn to have a deeper connection with Him. A deeper longing…a deeper commitment. A deeper peace.

Life presents changes and challenges at every turn. It is our job to uncover our eyes, look for the silver linings, and give up this false sense of control we have over things. It is our job to let go.

❤️

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

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