It’s only natural to hold on too tightly to a valued object. After all, we certainly don’t want to let the object slip from our hands.
Perhaps the object is a newborn baby! The mother would be distraught if we dropped her little one, resulting in a serious injury to the child.
I remember the first time my mom allowed me to hold my little baby brother. I was only 9 years old.
My mom instructed me to hold Patrick very gently and firmly. At first, I found doing so to be quite awkward, but I could see his reaction to my gentleness.
Perhaps the best analogy I can give as a lifetime athlete deals with certain sports I’ve played over the years.
My dad had me playing table tennis when I could barely see over the table. As an adult, I took the game seriously and found the proper firm and gentle grip on the paddle allowed me to tactfully place spin on the ball.
The game became quite enjoyable and relaxing.
Similar techniques in baseball, tennis, bowling, horseshoes and golf presented similar rewards.
Then again, practicing this technique in normal life experiences has brought even greater satisfaction.
That’s where this discussion is headed. It’s quite possible to hold on too tightly to many aspects of our lives. Doing so can take away much of the joy that’s at our grasp. Tightly holding on creates tension and a certain tenseness.
As followers of Christ, we are instructed to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in all aspects of our lives.
In Colossians 3:12, the Apostle Paul instructs us how we should live: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
You see, the Christian life requires us to gently hold onto our lives and consider the lives of others to be as important as ours.
With the supernatural help of the Holy Spirit, we can be used by God to further His Kingdom.
As I deal with the adversities of aging, I’m gradually learning how to be better at not holding on to my life and the lives of those I love as tightly as I once did.
Like the Apostle Paul, I’ve come to realize what is promised in Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Life here on earth is short and it passes by quite quickly as we grow older.
In ending this essay, let me share just how wonderful my life has been as a follower of Christ these past 40-plus years.
As I reminisce the beauty and the hardship of my life with Christ in comparison to my life without Him, there is no chance I would ever choose the latter.
There will certainly be much joy in living these final days in Christ Jesus. Time may be running out to make a decision for Christ, so please consider seeking Him and asking forgiveness for your sinful ways!