Giving and Gaining

It was a literal dream come true.

I’d always wanted to see the Grand Canyon—specifically, to stargaze from the rim—and we were finally taking our first-ever RV trip to make it happen.

As we packed the trailer, our beloved neighbor, a science-teacher-turned-astronomer, hurried over cradling an expensive armful of gadgets. “You have to take these!” she exclaimed, handing over high-powered night binoculars and a portable telescope. “You can’t be serious!” I gasped, gingerly accepting her prized items. “But you must!” she insisted. “You know it’s some of the best stargazing on the planet!”

She was right.

After trekking so many miles with such precious cargo, we craned our necks in awe at countless shooting stars streaking across the vastness of God’s glittering heavens. The moment was written into my memory for eternity—all because of my neighbor’s eagerness to share what was most precious to her.

I marvel again today—first at Christ’s words, then Saint Paul’s—as they surrender what is most precious to them. Christ tenderly offers to His Father every soul for which He seeks salvation. Saint Paul surrenders the fledgling Church in Ephesus with great emotion as he charges the clergy with its care and spiritual protection, reminding the faithful how they were won with the Precious Blood of Christ.

We often cling tightly to what we hold dear, thinking we can possess it or protect it from damage. In truth, this leads to missed opportunities and attachments that limit us—both in the world and in our spiritual lives.

And surrendering our most precious cargo to God? Even when it’s scary, it’s always fruitful. When we give to the Divine Giver, He never fails to give us more life, multiplied love, and greater gratitude in return. Just as my neighbor taught me, this paradox of relinquishing instead of possessing always leads to more than before.

What are you trying to keep “safe” that might actually be constraining you from God’s freedom and love? Practice actively surrendering it today to Love Himself.

He never fails. // @megan_hjelmstadClick to tweet

listen to today’s devotion

Jesus, teach me to surrender as You did.