Let Go and Get Ready to Fly

My friend Carolyn, who lives in Florida, receives regular visits from an egret named Charlie. She occasionally posts photos of Charlie on social media so I’ve had a chance to get a good look at him. Charlie always appears calm, cool, and collected with a bemused expression on his face. He likes to sit on the fence outside the house or high on a streetlight so he can keep an eye on things. I’ve noticed an interesting thing about Charlie – he doesn’t hold on very tightly to his perch. He often enjoys standing on one leg as if to say “Look Ma, no hands!” I’ve also observed that despite his calm demeanor he is always aware of his surroundings. At the slightest hint of danger Charlie releases his grip and flies to safety. I’ve learned a lot from Charlie, he keeps a light grip so he can let go and fly.

I tend to maintain a tight grip on things I love, keeping them locked up and bolted down so only I can enjoy them. I appreciate a comfortable home and I love making music. Becoming absorbed in a good book or feeling the breeze on my face on a boat also brings me joy. As wonderful as all these things are, I realize I can’t take them with me. I also am learning to be more vigilant and recognize danger. Releasing my grip on situations and relationships that leave me feeling vulnerable and unsafe brings me the freedom to experience the richness of healthy encounters. All the things of this earth are temporary and have no eternal value. My real treasure is in heaven with my savior.

Much like Charlie the egret, I’m letting go and getting ready to fly.

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)