Surrender Tomorrow for Today

A friend and I get together from time to time and share our own personal 'sandwich season' realities, always coming back to the conclusion of this season is so hard. However, this time a question was posed: Why. What is this season all about?

I pondered for a moment and the words 'surrender' followed by 'control', and then four realities surfaced.

I cannot control my children.

I cannot control my parents.

I cannot control my spouse.

I cannot even fully control myself.

I definitely cannot control the future.

This brought me back to something I say as a parent about my children, but that I should consider for all areas of life. "I cannot fix or break my (children, parents, spouse, self/health, etc.). I'm just not that powerful. I can affect and influence, but I cannot control."

Stop here and reflect for a moment.

Could it be that if I will pursue surrender in these areas instead of fighting to control them, this season could bring blessings, peace, and maybe even enjoyment?

The root of control is Fear. Read that again.

Here's a vulnerable glimpse into my real time fears:

• Kids: How can I protect and keep my kids from making bad choices? How can I be sure they are listening to God and not the social media noise and cultural narratives? Will they launch, get married, have good friends, be Ok, and be able to thrive in this ever-increasing volatile world?

• Parents: Will something happen to my dad and nobody know because we live states away? Will my mom's Alzheimers keep progressing in even more heartbreaking ways? Am I doing enough to both love and serve them?

• Spouse: Why is it so hard to connect with my husband these days? Will things get better? Why wont he do ______? What if we continue being so different that we want different things when the kids leave? Why am I feeling indifference?

• What if my cancer treatment is contributing to a higher risk of cognitive decline? What will the osteoporosis doc say next week even before the age of 50? What if I get Alzheimers like mom? What will we do financially? How will my and my husbands health affect my kid's future?

You may relate with some of my fears, or it may have spurred personal identification of yours. We all have them. Put any one of our stories up here and it is too much to carry.

Why do we think we are supposed to carry all of these outcomes?

Why are we choosing to live this season in this way?

1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper

time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Look at your personal story and all specific fears present. Ask yourself if you have or can fully control any of it? Be honest. So much of fear has to do with tomorrow (what has not happened but might happen). As I was following a prayer prompt this morning, a statement came to mind that hit me deep in my bones.

Give God your tomorrow, so that you can be in His today.

Listen and look for what He is already doing, then simply participate. A change in perspective can quiet your fear.

How do we do this? Little by little and with daily intention.

I'm all about realistic, practical steps. Let's start here:

1. Ask Him to help you through prayer:

   God help me give you my tomorrow so that I can live in your today. Please show me what that looks like and give the strength to follow.

2. Consider making this a daily prayer.

3. Reflect further on the verses from this post.