(photo courtesy of City Dance Theatre: "Let Go, Let God" at DanceAmerica competition; find more here.)
I’ve noticed a few things since last writing about “Let Go, Let God” a few weeks ago. First, having accidentally discovered some understanding of the meaning of the concept, I’ve made some conscious attempts to apply it. One tangible result: I fret a whole lot less just doing what I can [or must] and leaving the worldly outcome to itself. It IS a relief, a definite easing of the burden(s) I used to feel. Secondly, well here again is what I was subsequently told was the applicable scripture:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30.
This didn’t quite make sense to me intellectually; I’ve long thanked Christ, and still do, for carrying my yoke. It is, and has been, of immense help. However; I have now also tried to take the yoke Jesus offered and learn from him. It’s… interesting. The burden IS light. At the same time I find myself “inadvertently” involved in a learning process. Kind of a ‘what would Jesus do’ type of thing. Usually after the fact, and I can’t say that I’m measuring up to his standards. But, and here’s the main point, it’s another part of the Christian growth process – one of those ‘Oh, so that’s what that means. Better try harder, try to do what I should, and try to tap into what the Spirit is nudging me about.”
One can find artistic and talented Christians everywhere. Many are superb at what do, and don’t beat one over the head being more righteous than thou. Some can tell an engaging story, a few are downright funny.
My favorite book title is Lamb, The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal. Matthew, Mark and company didn’t disclose much as to most of Jesus’ life; Biff filled the gap. I’m now halfway through another book where the title caught my attention. It also touches upon the topic of Christianity. The name is Flabbergasted, by Ray Blackston. I was delighted to find a laugh out loud gem.
One character in Flabbergasted is a Baptist pastor that surf fishes for sharks and pets them on the head before sending them back to sea. The main character, Jay, a stockbroker in his late twenties, relocates to South Carolina and begins attending church to meet women. He also joins a men’s group where he’s able to find Proverbs (east of Psalms, west of Galatians) and questions such as “any impure thoughts this week?” [with all nine in attendance raising their hands]. Many of the ladies rotate their Sunday worship, engaging in “denominational hopscotch,” and email church ratings based upon the quality of guys. The woman of Jay's dreams, met at a Presbyterian church, turns out to be a missionary in the jungles of Ecuador.
In my late twenties (and as a 30 and 40 something) the last place I would have went to meet women was a church. Much of my non-working time was spent in smoky, seedy bars; places where everything and anything was for sale. My taste in nonfiction wasn’t much different, but I’ve always had a weak spot for humor [a further clue as to my taste: One of my favorite authors is Mark Twain (surely you know he wrote more than Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn)]. It took me a few decades to realize Christians also have a sense of humor, who would have thunk?
You can see blurbs about the books that Ray Blackston has written, along with some of his insight and activities here. I will be picking up more of his books and grinning as I read them. You may wish to do the same.
Let go, let God. Sounds easy enough. In actuality it’s very difficult. The way we’ve been taught, the American way, involves controlling situations and events to maximize advantage. For most important or troublesome matters there are dozens of things to consider, and a virtually infinite amount that could be done,
Take a common scenario – financial difficulties. We might consider changing careers or employers, appeasing and/or negotiating with the landlord and creditors, cutting expenses, etc. Just consider the job situation; here are some of the things that could be done:
1.update the resume
2.do a cover letter
3.customize the resume and cover letter for different positions
4.contact and verify references
5.send out and post resumes
6.create or update profiles on Facebook, LinkedIn and other sites
7.upgrade the cellphone for accessing email and the web
8.upgrade the computer for Skype and video conference capacity
9.network
10.clean up and/or update the wardrobe for interviews and conferences
11.look for more places to send out and post resume
12.do more networking and maintain regular contact
13.write and post blogs and articles for a showing of expertise
14.on and on and on
Moreover, one can’t help but consider and plan timing, scenarios, locations and mood enhancers for all of the above. Next - evaluate one’s approach and all factors after each call, meeting and response (or lack thereof) and then modify/fine tune as necessary.
Whew. There’s so much that could be done. And isn’t it funny how one best handles one thing seems to depend upon what happens with this, that and the other thing?
I was beginning to drive myself crazy with one of those common troublesome scenarios we all end up dealing with sooner or later. I didn’t consciously think about letting go, letting God. I just did it. I had to. I couldn’t handle it on my own. I prayed - a lot – and just quit worrying and trying to do this and that and every little thing.
Let go, let God. I think I know what it means now. I know one effect is somewhat like taking a mini vacation and merely delighting in what each day brings. And He provided a way when there was no way. Amazing.
Here’s one of the scripture passages attributed as the source of the phrase “Let go, let God”:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30.
As to our part in the “let go, let God” approach - part of the trick may be to simply do what one must. The “musts” can be few. Somehow, we know what they are. Do what can be done and don’t worry. Yeah, that important call may be better made at a time other than at 4:55 pm on the Friday of an upcoming three day holiday weekend. But make the call. Don’t wait until you’ve lost that twenty pounds, have a new hair style and it’s a worry free sunny morning with the moon in Venus.
Go with what you have. Don’t wait until everything has been perfectly coordinated. Don’t try and rework your entire life before making a single call. Don’t worry about the liklihood of success. Don’t try to pretend your blueberry muffin is a vanilla cupcake with strawberry frosting. God put you where you are; do your part. Do what you must. Let God take care of the rest.
