Letting Go and Holding On

By Joan Kelley
Related to the Following Forward and Reviewing My Days Maps from Listen to My Life: Maps for Recognizing and Responding to God in My Story by Sibyl Towner and Sharon Swing.

Do you know what’s drawing you toward God and pulling you away from God these days?

I’ve been writing an almost daily blog for the last seven months. One huge blessing out of that is the time spent reviewing my day. In the midst of thinking about the highs and lows of the day were, I’ve been more able to recognize what God has been up to in my life. It gives me time to consider what I want to change for tomorrow, how I can parent differently, notice where I’ve seen a smidge of growth, where I need to laugh at myself more, qualities I need to celebrate in myself, character traits that can get me in trouble, and things to be thankful for. Do I see all these things every day? No, but I start to see patterns and themes and threads that I can follow or connect. And the year begins, it’s easier to think about what I want this new year to hold.

I’m asking: ‘What do I need to let go of as I enter 2010?’ and ‘What do I want to carry forward into 2010?’ I want to let go of things like my need for control and having my way, busyness and people pleasing. I want to hold onto seeking simplicity, joy, delight and gratitude, trusting God more, focusing on relationships first, listening with my whole self, finding my true self, being vs. doing. By looking at these two lists I now know what to say yes to and what to say no to. I am reminded when I say yes to one thing, I’m saying no to something else. My lists of letting go and holding on help me set expectations and boundaries in healthy ways. These lists are no longer just two sheets of paper, but a set of evolving ground rules that help me make choices throughout the day. They remind me what draws me toward God and others and what pulls me away. I wonder what your lists might look like. Share them with a friend this week or even in response to this blog.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION:
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to Him.” James 4:8

QUESTION:
As you leave 2009, what do you need to let go of?
As you enter 2010, what do you want to carry forward?

Joan Kelley is a facilitator and teacher using the Listen to My Life: Maps for Recognizing and Responding to God in My Story, a visual workbook for small groups, mentoring relationships, workshops, retreats, classes, between spiritual friends, or individually to re-discover the storyline of the life they are authoring with God. More information is available at www.onelifemaps.com. Joan writes a daily blog at www.caringbridge.org/visit/willkelley.