Let Go of the Rope

I glorified You on earth, having accomplished [only] the work which You have given to Me to do 

John 17:4

My husband and I took off for our first fishing adventure for the year. We rushed to gather all our fishing paraphernalia, because we wanted to be on the lake before dusk. Arriving at the dock, my husband impatiently backed our boat into the water next to a boat that had arrived at the dock first. Since I am the one who always navigates the the pull of the boat when it has been launched , I attempted to question my husbands decision to release the boat away from the dock. As I was conveying my concern, and the fact that I would be thrust into the lake with the boat, my husband stated, "You will not get wet." I began to plead my case using another strategy, when he curtly interrupted me as said. "Would you like to back the boat into the water?"

I knew his statement was spoken in frustration, so I shrugged and said, "Okay" to his belief that everything would work out as he had planned. Within one minute, my concern became reality. Without any sure footing or a dock cleat to use, the boat was pulling me into the water with a force I simply could not overcome. So I did what any good-natured wife would do, I let go of the rope the boat was connected to. Suddenly the reality of my choice hit my husbands visual field. His brain and body went into "Rambo" mode. He shot out of the truck, threw his shoes off and high into the air, and lunged into the water chest high to save his floating boat. All the while, I simply smiled and gently stated, "Um, that is what I was trying to ask." Needless to say, this did not make our top ten most romantic moments, as his wallet and cell phone were still in his pant pockets. I guess he felt it necessary to spare his orthopedic inserts more than his wallet and phone. This should have been my first indication that talking to me afterwards would not be a high priority.  In the end, the boat was saved, the wallet and all its holdings were dried out, and the phone gained a whimsical bubbling sound ( I consider this a "new app" for his phone). 

What were the lessons learned? First, my husband understood the virtue of waiting and listening. He has declared his impatience was foolish and now has a new fishing story to share with his buddies and co-workers (although he tells this story different than I would). Second, I learned that letting go is often necessary and worth the risk. Often I have determined to hold on to a responsibility or expectation that "drowned" my soul and killed my spirit. I have refused to let go of a grievance that left me exhausted in mind and spirit. I have held on to friendships that have rendered me listless and lifeless. I have held onto beliefs that would later turn into anger and erupt onto my unsuspecting family. Letting go of the rope in that moment freed me. I was not meant or built to take on this force. What are you holding on to that is pulling you in to a quicksand of anger, frustration, fatigue, or helplessness. Do what I did and let go. 

Father, today, I let go of responsibilities and expectations that you 

have not ordained. I release attitudes and beliefs that are drowning my spirit and 

killing my soul. Like Jesus, I can only glorify You when I let go and only

do what you have created me to do, amen