Let It Go, Let It Go

Cue the enchantingly infectious song from the popular Disney movie Frozen. 

While a catchy tune, where Elsa’s going with that song is not the same direction we’re heading. But it does give us some great language to begin thinking about the first of our four simplification questions:

“Is there anything I can let go of?”

Quite often our lives are marked by a steady stride toward more. Sometimes it’s thrust upon us. We are handed more responsibility, more expectations, more projects. And other times, we willingly take more upon ourselves—more meetings, more tasks, more opportunities. Most of the time, however, it’s a combination of the two. We are given more, and we desire more, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. 

However, we must be very careful as our lives fill with more and more. We should keep a watchful eye on our growing to-do lists; our bulging calendars; and all the other tasks, items, and details that make up our daily lives. Because if we allow too much in, we run the risk of becoming like an overinflated balloon . . .

Ready to pop!

Now, the key to avoiding such a disastrous fate is intentionality—being very intentional with what you let into and allow to make up your life. You can’t be all things, and you can’t do everything. So, you have to make intentional choices.

Some things you keep.

Some things you let go of. 

A simple way to do this is by surveying all the things you’re putting energy and effort into. Then begin to ask of all those things: Are they making me a better human? Are they in line with the purpose God has for me here and now? Are they sucking life or giving life?

Consider Peter.

He was making a living as a fisherman when Jesus came walking down the beach. He called Peter to come follow Him. Peter looked down at his fishing nets. In that moment, he concluded that to be obedient to Jesus he had to let go of his nets. And he did! This freed Peter up to embark on an unbelievable adventure following Jesus. 

Even though it can be hard, sometimes you just need to let certain things go. Because in the spot those things used to occupy, you now have space to think, wonder, and dream about doing what truly matters!

White Space Moment

Take a look at your calendar or to-do list. Now, answer the following questions:   

• Are there things on it that you might need to let go of?   
• What challenges may come with letting something(s) go?   
• How can you be intentional about overcoming these challenges?