I’ve been experiencing a period of exhaustion for some time, but it’s not a problematic exhaustion. It is an exhaustion most welcome. I’m feeling a real aversion to possessing things and of being possessed.
More than ever
I’m holding lighter than ever
those things at present in my grasp.
In this life, via the wisdom of Job,
“the Lord gives and the Lord takes away.”
What cannot be taken away from us is
the true possession of an eternal spirituality.
None of what I have in this world can I keep. Possessing things is a paradox, because though we have them now, they’re never truly ours.
Possession is an illusion,
unless it is a viable spirituality.
Relationships on the other hand are eternal. How I treat people is of utmost significance. If nothing else, grace. When I am impatient or make a mistake, I must apologise. All this, especially with strangers.
I want to see more, see more truth, and I can only see more if I slow down. In appreciating more of life, I am seeing more, and this is spiritually fulfilling.
I’m learning to let go. I’m giving up. I’m giving in. I’m letting people have their way. I’m leaving God to work things out. I’m experiencing antipathy for wrestling. And I’m finding I’m freer to act when I need to.
Learning to give up, I feel, is an important wisdom; a crucial life skill when we can be more (i.e., less is more) for others, for all others. Giving up, I get out of the way, I cause less harm, preferring a life that adds greater value over the longer term. Readier to die today than ever, juxtaposed with wanting to live as long as I can, I’m preparing myself for when my feet will no longer walk this earth.
Wisdom offers eternity’s reflection on how to relinquish possession. These are just a few ways we can let go. I’m giving up:
Seeking other people’s approval.
Pursuing and insisting upon personal perfection.
Trying to control others.
Competing.
Lusting and coveting.
Chasing or building in vain (for vanity).
Hoping to influence situations I cannot change.
Running away to, or abiding in, false gods.
Denying truths I must face to grow.
Allowing frustration to have its way with me.
Self absorption.
Trappings.
Preferring the temporal (missing the eternal).
Where I sit to complete this article, a gentle breeze wafts, sitting with family, deep is the knowledge, these are the precious things.
New Year draws close, let’s seek wisdom for better living.
Wisdom counsels us to possess the spiritual and let go of the material.
