Sunday, April 6, 2008

Blessings of Letting Go



This last week has been a struggle, new health issues, congestive heart failure, pulmonary problems, in addition to living with Parkinson's and my on-going facing of "Letting Go."


My body takes charge and tells me,
you must stop now and rest." It tells me to let go of responsibilities and commitments.


"How dear Lord am I to do this? What does all this mean in letting go? How am I to participate in the life of community?"


I prayerfully reflected on passages from the book of John and received comfort, peace and guidance.


The story of Nicodemus and Jesus telling him that he must be born anew. "Beloved Creator, help me to listen, that the Spirit is my guide. Letting go of being active is so hard. Letting go of commitments and responsibilities is such a challenge. Thank you for directing me to let go of leading a workshop at the FGC Gathering this summer and showing me ways to cut back on leadership with the Parkinson's Support Group I started. You were with me from the beginning, leading and blessing the establishment of the Support Group. You show me how I can prepare members on taking on the tasks I have shouldered." John 3:7-8


"I am happy to take refuge in you and experience your loving care and being with me." Psalm 33(34):8, 18


The story of the five barley loaves and two fish. "You show me that the little I have to offer after letting go is enough. I am still able to plant seeds, and to listen deeply to others. In listening deeply to others, you touch their lives with hope and love." John 6:5-11


The disciples saw Jesus walking on the water to come to them. "It is I; do not be afraid." he said. "Jesus, you are with me through my struggles of letting go and still living. You are with me even when I despair. Thank you." John 6:16-21


I woke this morning with the delightful guidance to invite members of the Support Group to come to my home to help get the mailing out.
In Meeting for Worship, I was shown that only when I let go will I be able to attend to the writing that only I can do. "Please, dear Lord, lead me on."
Blessings from Judy

2 comments:

Friendly Mama said...

I think that needing help, allowing oneself to accept help, is a rich gift for those who need to learn to give. I think that becoming dependent on one's community is a very deep blessing for the community.

In our society we don't care for our elders or those who are ill; we shut them away in facilities. People die in nursing "homes" and hospitals. We don't know how to care for others.

My husband's mother is only 66 but she has had on-going serious health issues for over a decade. I've learned so much in helping her. Yes, I have been tremendously frustrated by her (she does not take any responsibility for her own well-being) but I have been blessed in learning how to care for her and support her.

Let Spirit guide you and let your community learn with you and from you and for you.
Mary Linda

Judy Brutz said...

Friendly Mama, I appreciate your comments and encouragement. Yes, I am being guided and my health has improved. The docs have ruled out congestive heart failure. We're dealing wwith the affects of Parkinson's on the muscles in the chest.
Life is good and I'm enjoying family, friends, wilderness and love.
Blessings,
Judy