Lisa Notes: Leave the hand open

I’m not doing it right. I know this.

But I want to. Does that help him work?

Let God blow His wind, His trials, oxygen for joy’s fire.

Leave the hand open and be.
- ANN VOSKAMP

When I read Ann’s words in Selections from one thousand gifts a couple weeks ago, it flooded me: Leave the hand open. It’s an image to latch onto.

For my trip to El Salvador in July (I’m excited but anxious)
For the VBS plans we’re making (Really, Lord? This can work?)
For so many summer activities and trips and ventures and...and...on and on (I want to do each, but is there time enough?)

I know each will bring joy. But more so if I unclench my fist of worry over inadequacies and unknowns and insufficiencies.

Be at peace. Bend the knee and be small and let God give what God chooses to give because He only gives love and whisper surprised thanks.

I want to accept what he wants to give. He gives good. This I know.

So I leave the hand open.
I bend the knee and thank.
I simply be.

I want to. He knows. That’s enough.

* * *

How are you learning to relax in your summer activities?

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@MichelleDeRusha · 671 weeks ago

Wise, wise advice for me, my friend. I have trouble during the summer, ironically. With the boys home, life is busier, more frenetic, and the routine is out the window. I find myself clenched, too. This message of opening to Him and relaxing into Him is exactly what I need on this Friday morning. Thank you, love you!

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barbarah 65p · 671 weeks ago

Sounds like your summer is even busier than mine. I'm finding my anxieties are often tied up with that clenching for control. I've just been reading of pioneer missionaries in the 1800s with more unknowns and even less control, but simple childlike faith.
My recent post Friday’s Fave Five

Katie · 671 weeks ago

Being thankful........ is what I am working on for myself.
My recent post Friday Felicities

bicroce 44p · 671 weeks ago

This post reminds me of this wonderful Scripture: BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD>
So simple, isn't it?
Oh, Father, help us...
Thank you Lisa. Praying for your VBS.
My recent post Cultivate

Joe Pote · 671 weeks ago

This is beautiful, Lisa!

Danise Jurado wrote along a similar theme, today, at http://www.danisejurado.com/letting-god-lead/

Both blessed me...and reminded me to trust a bit more in God's plans, especially when they differ from my plans...

Thank you!
My recent post Beneath the Cross

fsamons 60p · 671 weeks ago

What a great phrase that could apply to so much in our lives. As David said, "It all comes from Your hand."

No glimmer of rest for this summer so far, but I keep hoping!
My recent post THE GROUCHY GAS PUMPER conclusion

Debbie · 671 weeks ago

We never know how God will fill our open hands.
My recent post When the Way is Rough

imperfect prose · 671 weeks ago

me too, friend. i want to, too.

outsidemywindowinsidemyheart 38p · 671 weeks ago

Hands open...sometimes relinquishing my fist, one finger at a time, until at last the hand is open. Trusting Him...the Saviour of my soul...and yet with every day happenings I am still learning that He does all things well. Thank you for this challenging post, Lisa. Hugs to you, sweet friend.
My recent post Happy Faces…

Nikki · 671 weeks ago

keeping hands open to His best.....He's got ways that are so much higher....thoughts that are beyond mine....wishing you a beautiful day Lisa.....hands wide open.

Cherry · 670 weeks ago

Such good thoughts - and don't you just love that beautiful little book, Selections from One Thousand Gifts? I read it recently, too, and had some of these same thoughts jump out at me. In fact, I just wrote a post using some of these same quotes this morning!

My recent post Live Surprised

1 reply · active 670 weeks ago

Lisa notes 103p · 670 weeks ago

Yes, I do love the book. And yes, those exact same thoughts spoke to both of us! I love when that happens. We're definitely on the same track.
My recent post 10 Winning Books from Spring Reading

marilyn shannon · 579 weeks ago

i was awakened in the middle of the night a few weeks ago ,a voice said stretch out your hands,together,side by side ,palms up,I did so ,They were as tough I was going to receive something.I went back to sleep,I have searched the scriptures or a meaning but go in circles,I am invited to speak at a womens conference tomorrow . I have prayed or the revelation of this,but haven't received as far as I know.not clear.

1 reply · active 579 weeks ago

Lisa notes 103p · 579 weeks ago

I believe God gives us many gifts that we are never even aware of. Perhaps he was giving you a gift that night that is still invisible to you, but is a gift nonetheless. I'd suggest that it's okay to not know what it is; if he wants to reveal it to you more clearly, he will. In the meantime, try to trust that it was a gift anyway and thank him for it. Just my two cents of advice. :)