Monday, August 13, 2012

All on the Altar

One of the most difficult things to do, at least for me, is to give it all to Jesus. “It” is a pretty non-descriptive pronoun, but one that can be replaced with powerful emotions or needs.

When “it”  involves those closest to your heart, and you know they are suffering unfairly at the hands of others, surrendering the details, the pain and their very future – ALL – to Jesus is the only option. And the best option.  

But the human side of a mother who can turn into a fire-breathing she-dragon when someone comes after her nest or one of its inhabitants brings the temptation of saying, “That’s OK, God. I’ve got this.”

The letter “A” for today’s A to Z meme could also be for “arrogance” with a capital “A.” As if this mother could actually bring about a solution that would carry wisdom and the full knowledge of the future of those involved.  

Funny how circumstances can bring up words to hymns we haven’t heard in decades …

“Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
 Your heart does the spirit control?
 You can only be blessed
 And have peace and sweet rest
 When your all on the altar is laid.”

Another hymn from our Christian heritage carries a commitment as we sing:

 All to Jesus I surrender. All to Him I freely give.
  I will ever love and trust Him. In His presence daily live.
  I surrender all. I surrender all.
  All to Thee, my blessed Savior.
  I surrender all.” 

Jesus has His own loving way of saying, “That’s OK, mom. I’ve got it all under control.”




August 7, 2012