Perspective change...

In a conversation with a friend yesterday we accidentally delved into, like deep into, how we see the world. We are both men of a certain age and we both have found that we largely have viewed our level of accomplishment or success as evidenced by the typical measuring sticks: money, recognition for good thinking, successful projects, build-and-exits and the like.  

As we talked, we both expressed a newer perspective. That of what success looks like through the lens of being a child of God. 

He noted that he has felt as though the past two years has been a “winter season” in his life. One where he’s had many great ideas and explored avenues for their execution that seemed promising - only to have them peter out, as it were. 

My friend noted that it isn’t in his nature to wait, be still, but rather to “giddy-up-go, push, push, push, the “I will until” philosophy we’re taught.  

We talked about how there is peace in recognizing that we are bought and paid for, that our lives, our success and our glory are borrowed at best. That what matters most is not what the world thinks of us – not even what we think of us. 

These thoughts have been resonating in my own experiences for the last while. While by nature, I find that I’m someone who wants to know what’s next and to influence that in any way available to me. 

Conversely, more and more, I come to realize – I really don’t know anything, I don’t control anything – a humbling realization to be sure! But with it can come a great peace. If I’m willing to accept it, willing to “unwrap the gift”. 

There’s a song by Casting Crowns that I love called

“Just Be Held”

Hold it all together 
Everybody needs you strong 
But life hits you out of nowhere 
And barely leaves you holding on  

And when you're tired of fighting 
Chained by your control 
There's freedom in surrender 
Lay it down and let it go 

So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away 
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held 
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place 
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held 

--

"Chained by your control" – now there’s a thought!

Am I?

I think I have been, - chained by my control. 

And releasing the grip on what I thought I actually had – ain't easy – lemme tell ya! It’s a day by day, moment by moment fight. Some days I win, some days I hope to do better tomorrow. But I do actually feel like I’m in school – not on the outside looking in the window. My grades are sometimes crap – but I’m learning to earn them. Little by little.