Letting Go

By

Pastor B.J. Knefley

Life, as you’ve probably noticed is not always easy. It’s full of choices and we don’t always make the best ones. We have to live with people, and people are not the easiest to live with. Sometimes we seem to think that if everyone were like us the world would be a much better place. The fact is, not everyone is like us. We are each driven by our own stuff, our belief systems, life experiences, family dynamics and a host of other things help to form and frame who we are. Our lives and our responses to what happens to us are all reflected in our behavior today. That’s part of the reason that letting go is so hard.

Have you ever wondered why a Bulldog’s face is shaped the way it is? It is so it can latch on to something and still breathe. You and I are not made the same way. When we latch on to something, we still have to breathe, but we latch on anyway and it sucks the life right out from us. Perhaps it’s an old hurt, something someone has done to us, some unforgiven act, or just plain anger and resentment. Whatever the situation, we’re hanging on and not letting go like it was some treasured moment or memory. In the meantime, it’s consuming our energy, thoughts and even influences our behavior. We don’t let go for a variety of reasons all of which are taking their toll on our joy, peace, and even our health. So, what’s the answer?

Perhaps the place to start is to remember that judgement belongs to God. No matter the act or offense, we can never exact enough judgment to satisfy our needs. The only solution is forgiveness and forgiveness is simply removing the punishment that is due. Easy? Not at all. It is never easy, but in order to live and be free, one must do this. Whether we realize it or not the one that we are so angry with is going about their life without much thought about us. So, let it go! Sadly, when we allow situations or people to control us, we become slaves to that thing or person. They haven’t put us there; we’ve done it to ourselves. It all comes down to one simple word and I use it a lot, CHOICE. We have the CHOICE to stay in an unhealthy place or not. It’s always up to us. We have the power to move on. Think about it.