Hands Wide Open

Oh, how easy it is to cling to those things we love most in this life.

We hold on tightly, fiercely, in order never to let them (it?) go!

So much trouble comes to our hearts when we grasp with a strangle hold

those things that are of utmost importance to us.

It may be a person, an object, a method, an experience.
Whatever it may be, it must be kept in its proper place.

 Anything that we set up in our hearts in the highest place

can actually become an idol.  It's true.  And, it's got to be de-throned.
Sometimes, that can be a painful process.  But, a necessary and a good one.
We are allowed to love and to cherish.  Actually, we are encouraged to do so.

Just not above the One Who deserves to be loved best.

Since we have already buried one child, the fear of needing
to bury another could threaten to overtake us.

God wouldn't call us to that, would He?  Surely not!
But, why couldn't He?  After all, He is the giver and sustainer of life.

Our children belong to Him before they belong to us.

Life here is uncertain.  Fragile.  Life in heaven is eternal.  Secure.

Perspective is set right when the heart views things rightly.
The only way to accomplish this is through filling our hearts with truth.
That truth is foundational to all that follows.  To all that matters.

Seeking these days to live life with hands wide open.
To hold people, things, methods, and experiences lightly.
Actually, to not really hold them at all.  But, to let them all go.
Into the Hands most capable.  Into the Hands of the One only able.

Because HE already holds it all.  And HE holds us.
What a precious, steadying, comforting, magnificent thought!

With Love, Camille

**Images in this post courtesy of our Calvin ~ from his earliest collection
of photos taken with his good camera.  :)