This
fancy word for letting go has been floating through my thoughts.  There are
times when we are called to let go of certain dreams, certain people, or certain
substances.  In my experience there has always been a protracted struggle
between what I will and what I
want.  My knuckles are white from
the death grip that is holding tight.  And when my heart changes, release comes
slowly, one finger joint at a time.  When the hand is empty and I’ve
finally relinquished that “something” I’m so surprised at all the plusses.  The muscles
that were weary from clenching are relaxed.  The hand that was dedicated to
grasping is now available for a thousand other occupations.  There is a move
away from tension towards tranquility.  

 Elisabeth Elliot wrote (I
substituted ** for certain words to broaden the application): “Fred had prayed that God would help him
to be willing to relinquish **.  He did not want to relinquish **, but he willed
to be made willing.  Although the conflict lasted for six months, he was indeed
helped.”  That phrase, willed
to be made willing, could provide food for many mental meals.  I have
seen a small measure of relinquishment lately in my life, and for that I
gratefully give God thanks.