S - Surrender

“Surrender” isn’t a word that gives us warm, fuzzy feelings inside—quite the opposite in fact! When I think of surrender I think of battles lost, towels thrown, and shame of defeat. But surrendering isn’t always a bad thing, and it’s something that I’ve felt compelled to do over the past month or so. 

I’ve always been a worrier; I get very anxious in certain situations or under certain circumstances. About a month ago I found out that Michael was going to become an MST, and while I was absolutely thrilledfor him, I immediately felt anxious. I felt anxious because of the unknowns and uncertainties. I felt anxious because it’s something that’s out of my control. I felt anxious because I can’t help but worry, worry, and worry some more, especially when it comes to his safety and wellbeing. Oh, and did I mention that I worry? 

I know it’s normal to worry, but there are times when I take it to an unhealthy level and worst case scenarios start running through my head. It’s in these moments, right when I begin to feel like I can’t take another second of worrying, that I feel compelled to surrender. A little light bulb turns on in my head and reminds me that I have someone to turn to when my worries become too much for me to bear: God. 

A synonym of surrender is to give in, or give (oneself) up. I came to the realization that I need to practice what I preach and “let go and let God” and surrender to Him everything that is out of my control. While it’s not a solution or cure (so to speak), it does help ease my mind a lot. I felt compelled to surrender not just my fears, worries, and sorrows over to God, but my hopes and dreams for the future as well. One of my fears is that if I get excited about the future, I will somehow jinx the present. I know the future is in his hands, and I’m doing my best to give my worries to God and focus on the good. If you’re not going to let yourself be excited about the future, then you’re only going to ruin the good of the present! I am so grateful for every day God blesses me with, and I do my best to thank God every day for all he has given me. I’m striving to let go and let God, trust in God, enjoy each day as it comes, and be ridiculously excited for the future. I have so many reasons to smile, and for that I am truly grateful. 

Whether you’re worrying about a loved one, finances, health concerns, the future, your kids (and their future), etc., you can always turn to God and surrender to Him the things that are out of your control. It’s easier said than done, but it willlift a weight off your shoulders. It’s comforting to know that we always have someone to turn to when we are struggling, andwhen we are celebrating! God is with us through it all.  

“Keep your chin up, trust in God, and believe in good things to come.” –Jeffrey R. Holland

*Note: It’s great to turn to God for help, but that is just one step/option. To keep my mind occupied, I find it helps to keep busy! If you’re still feeling very anxious or stressed, try practicing yoga or meditation, take a relaxing bubble bath, turn on an essential oils diffuser and listen to relaxing music, go for a run, etc. If you’re feeling up to it, engage in some of your favorite hobbies, start a new hobby, get together with friends or family, volunteer somewhere, and just do things that lift your spirit and keep your mind focused on the good. :)