Surrender

On the topic of letting go...it was appropriate that I should visit my formation directress. After only only 3 months of working together, my directress underwent an emergency surgery at the beginning of December. After sleeping for about a month, she was finally discharged to our nursing home, where she's been able to regain some of the strength in her muscles and start walking again. Though physically she's been tired, mentally she's still on the ball, and how fortunate I was today to be a witness to her testimony of God's presence in her life. At 83 years old, and after a surgery quite unexpected, I was impressed by her articulation - "I just feel that God is so present in my life. I am so loved." The prayers are working, and she's felt so blessed to have received correspondence from friends, family, sisters, and even former students!

Two weeks ago she received visitors, and when she asked, "What does God what from me?" came the answer, "Surrender." It's stuck with her ever since, and I imagine that it will stick with me. I keep saying "let go, let go, let go..." but more powerful than that, is the call to surrender. Surrender to what? Everything, I suppose! Surrender to control, knowing,...In turn, we can offer trust, faith... It's not an easy exchange, but in my short 25 years, it's true...it works!

My favorite definition of the word surrender is to 'lay down.' My prayer then, as we continue in "ordinary time" and prepare for the season of Lent, to pray for the grace to surrender, or lay down, our lives to the will of the God (Mark 14:36).

Check out this song if you haven't heard it! :)
Lay It Down Matt Maher
Everything I am, everything I long to be
I lay it down at Your feet
Everything I am, everything I long to be
I lay it down at Your feet

I lay it down, I lay it down
I lay it down at Your feet
I lay it down, I lay it down
I lay it down at Your feet

Everything I am, everything I long to be
I lay it down at Your feet
Everything I am, everything I long to be
I lay it down at Your feet

I lay it down, I lay it down
I lay it down at Your feet
I lay it down, I lay it down
I lay it down

Oh, Pearl of greatest price
No act of sacrifice
Can match the gift of life
I find within Your gaze

Oh, what a sweet exchange
I die to rise again
Lifted up from the grave
Into Your hands of grace

Oh, Pearl of greatest price
No act of sacrifice
Can match the gift of life
I find within Your gaze

Oh, what a sweet exchange
I die to rise again
Lifted up from the grave
Into Your hands of grace

I lay it down, I lay it down
I lay it down at Your feet
I lay it down, I lay it down
I lay it down at Your feet

I lay it down, I lay it down
I lay it down at Your feet
I lay it down, lay it down
Lay it down at Your feet