I loved my job. I worked as news editor and reader with a weekend music show for a radio station in the UK, broadcasting back to Africa. Originally from South Africa, this was my first radio job in the UK, but within five years the Africa service relocated to South Africa and I was let go. I was heartbroken and fearful and struggled to remain positive, especially when everyone else in the office felt the same. Well, not everyone. One woman was different. In the midst of all the insecurity and turmoil of job losses, this woman was at peace. She remained confident in the belief that God, not man was her boss and if she lost her job, He would provide for her.
She wasn’t arrogant or proud, but rather than cling desperately to a job and monthly salary provided for by a boss in an office, she held the blessing of employment loosely in open hands. This was not some fatalistic whim though, she did what she needed to do in order to prepare herself for what was inevitably going to be a different season in her life, but then she surrendered her fears and anxieties to her maker and rested.
At the time, I thought losing my job was the worst possible thing that could happen, but in hindsight I see how helpful it was. I was forced to find a job back in teaching, which ultimately prepared me for the skills I would need to land an incredible job back in radio, this time with a national broadcaster in the UK.
Over the years I’ve come to realise the joy of living with open hands – the surrendered life. When I catch myself wanting desperately to cling to a person or position, I picture myself opening my hands and surrendering. Whether it’s friends, family or a source of income, holding onto these things with an iron grip keeps us wrapped up in fear and steals the joy of the miracle of learning to be content, no matter the circumstance.
The apostle Paul writes,
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” – Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT Bible)
Regardless of whether it’s your spouse, your children, your friends, job or hobbies, don’t hold so tightly onto everything that you risk losing everything. Rather relinquish control and live with open hands.
“If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, it’s yours forever. If it doesn’t, then it was never meant to be”. – Unknown