Life is a Balance of Hanging On and Letting Go
(Job 42)
Life is a balance of hanging on and letting go.
Not a Bible verse.
Just something I heard.
Not even sure it’s true.
But something to consider . . .
My new journal arrives, UPS.
Perfect timing.
I’m down to the last page of my current journal.
Almost time to close those pages of my past, open new ones, and file the filled-up book away.
Bittersweet.
So many written-all-over pages behind me.
Like old friends.
So many blank pages ahead.
A mysterious future.
To be lived out one page at a time.
Settling into my favorite quiet time chair, I open to the last page of my old book.
Jot the date.
And open to the bookmarked spot in my Bible.
The last page of a really old book.
The book of Job.
Where a verse in the last chapter reaches into my soul and embraces me.
Like a hug.
Quick recap of the first forty-one chapters of Job.
Job loses his family, wealth, and health.
In rapid succession.
Like ducks going down at a shooting gallery.
The loss is overwhelming.
“My sadness . . . is heavier than the sand of a thousand seashores.”
“I would rather die of strangulation than go on and on like this.”
(Job 6:2-3, 7:15 TLB)
Overly dramatic, maybe.
But I one hundred percent get it.
I don’t need to walk a mile in Job’s shoes; I’ve worn his shoes and walked that mile.
Maybe you have too.
Who can understand why bad things happen to good people?
Or measure the weight of sadness?
Job can’t.
His friends can’t.
And God is silent on the subject.
Job’s seemingly unending hurricane of life continues to blow and blow.
And blow.
Angry, gusty, hot breath.
Against Job.
Crushing his spirit.
Until . . .
Until!
Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind
(Job 38:1 TLB)
From right out of the eye of the hurricane.
Lovingly shaking Job’s spirit into remembering that He, the God of the entire universe, knows what He’s doing.
And that He loves Job.
Personally and deeply.
God doesn’t expect Job to understand what he cannot understand.
Only to appreciate that He does.
After this, we see Job’s life restored.
Two hundred percent.
And right about here, mid happy ending, the verse embracing my soul shows up.
Job throws a feast in his home.
Where there is likely great joy.
But not just joy.
In the midst of this great celebration, Job’s friends and family are also found
consoling him for all his sorrow . . .
(Job 42:11 TLB)
Acknowledging that grief is a process.
That even when the hurricane has passed, when skies are blue and winds are calm, what’s been lost is still lost.
Sadness still creeps in.
Sometimes at the most unexpected moments.
I feel completely understood.
Accepted.
And hugged.
By Job and God.
I picture Job atop the fulcrum of a balance scale.
Balancing his past and present.
Making peace with what’s behind while moving forward.
A delicate tension.
Goodbye to you today, old journal.
I’ll say hello to you, new journal, tomorrow.
A bittersweet changing of the guard.
Emotional sigh.
Maybe life really is a balance of hanging on and letting go.
I’m still thinking about that . . .
See you in a couple weeks.
Love,
How your writings touch my soul! My dear friend, Tamara Mack, just passed Saturday, and I find myself feeling bittersweet about her death. Lying in her hospital bed, unable to move, talk, etc., she had struggled over the last three weeks. As a believer, she was ready for Jesus; but, as a friend, it was challenging to know there would be no more conversations about our families, the latest news, and our 30 something years of teaching together. Finally, I realized it was time to let her go, so she could have eternal rest in Jesus’ arm. Now i am looking forward to finding a balance without weekly visits of laughter, tears, and smiles we have shared over the years. However, I will hang on to our last time together as I read her The Twenty-third Psalm and saw a peaceful expression on her sweet face. Thanks, Sherrill
You really should have written today’s blog, Sherrill! Your words and thoughts about Tamara are beautiful.
Your words bring me comfort and a feeling of being understood. You shared my morning cup of coffee today and your message, as if directed at me, felt like the piece of the puzzle that fit perfectly into my moment. Today is 6 months since I lost the love of my life, Stefan. It was a long and difficult illness and I am relieved that he is at peace but miss his beautiful energy and all the joy he brought to my life every day. He was my best friend in the world. I truly believe God has helped me survive his loss. I truly hope others going through similar losses find comfort and peace. Thank you 🙏🏻 Rhonda
I’m so sorry to hear about your dear Stefan. But I am delighted to have shared a cup of coffee with you this morning!
So true, at just the most unexpected times. Thanks for sharing, Cindy.
Honestly, I never see them coming! They used to just wreck me, but now they feel sweeter.
Dear daughter Cindy,
Just relished your shared thoughts early this morning. I’ve been sharing the quotation with several fellow residents and staff members here at The Lakes. Rumi, 13th Century poet, penned this summation of life. Everyone agreed how beautiful this truism is and probably always will be. love, Mom
I had no idea it was a quote of Rumi’s. Thank you!
Praying for all these sweet ladies that have lost so much. May God comfort you, and like Cindy said, hug you tight. Love to all, Susie
You are such an encourager!
Thanks for the message today you remain me to write in my journal daily . Sometimes if I forget to write I feel I have left the Lord down . Love you for always touching my Heart ❤️
I’m pretty sure you’re one of His favorites . . . whether you write in your journal, or not!
Such beautiful words! You always give me a nugget of wisdom that seems to come at just the right time. ❤️
I sure miss you, Mary!
As always, thoughtful and meaningful. My love to you and the family. “Coach”
Aw, thanks Coach Huss! I sure love you.
Cindy, you and Sherrill are amazing! Thank you for sharing your thoughts my friends. I’m so blessed to know you both. God’s blessings on n you both, Carol Anne
I’m blessed to know YOU, and I’m sure Sherrill feels that same!