There are many good sayings. Many of them hold a wisdom or truth that often touches us in a very personal way. We get something from it and wrap our mind around it. One such saying that I’ve known for a long time was, that “sometimes, in order to gain something, you gotta give up another thing.” And even though I knew of this saying for a long time, in this or another form, these days it’s getting a new, more personal meaning for me. Like with so many things, it’s one thing to know something and a completely different thing, to actually experience it.
Sometimes, letting go is the only way to receive. I’m talking about letting go off things we want, that aren’t really what’s best for us. I experience god taking away things from me these days. Things that I hung on to, like sometimes doing the right thing for the wrong reason.
God is showing me how disappointment can overwhelm me, when I think I do the right thing, but then realize I do it out of the wrong motivation. God is showing me these days, that he’s what should be most important to me. His lover never changes, never fails. He is, who should be my reason, my motivation – not recognition and respect. He shows me how focused on people I am. I believe this is a cause of hurts and troubles for many – the constant thought of what others may think about oneself, how to be good with others all the time, how to improve perception and level of respect.
A friend of mine said the other day “Ever since the fall of mankind, we’re looking for the ultimate recognition of our very selfs.” This is so true. I believe reason is not a thing. Reason, ultimately, is a person.
I want to find my ultimate reason, recognition, attention and respect in my creator and lord. Despite six billion people, he’s thought of me and thought it’d be great to have me in this world. And the same goes for you, that you’re reading this. If you’re still trying to get someone’s attention – be assured you have the living god’s full attention. He’s the one, who’s always been there, always will be.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. – Jeremiah 1, 5 (TNIV)
Jesus is showing me how valuable I am in his eyes and that I literally mean the world to him. This is why he came into this world, for me and you. So, why would we still need to fight for anyone’s recognition and acceptance? The LORD, the creator of all, has accepted us the way we are. And he tells us to let go of all this, so he can start giving us what he’s got in store for us.
What better way to close this post with another one of these great sayings. A true man of god once said:
If you give up what you can’t keep, you will receive what you can’t lose.
