Yesterday I attended a worship service where the pastor was preaching on one of my favourite books in the bible–Ruth. He said Naomi had two daughter-in-laws, Ruth and Orpah. She begged them both to return to their family as she left them.  Orpah did; Ruth refused. The pastor told the congregation to let people walk away.  Let them leave; they are not part of your destiny. This got my attention.

During my my illness and recovery, I have had magnificent support from certain people and my heart will always be grateful for that. I am visiting some of them now. I love them more than words can express. Their abiding faithfulness to me is a testimony to our friendship and to who they are at their core.

I have been protective, as I’ve said before, of my need to heal in a whole and healthy way so I’ve monitored who I have spent time with too. There are some people who have not been there for me and I have been dealing with my anger about this. When I heard those words, I heard truth. Let them walk away; they are not part of your destiny. I think it is time to bless them at their leave taking and to stop judging them about their inability to be here for me. In many ways, it says more about them than it does about me and yet I can own my piece. I sense that I can let them sail off without me and toss whatever disappointment and sadness I have felt into the deep waters. It is finished. It is now time for me to move on and like Naomi and Ruth accept with joy the marvels of the people who are here still–or newly engaged with me–and wanting to bless me.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

Who are you trying to lasso to stay in your life? What impact does hanging on to someone who does not wish to be there have on you?

Letting go can be challenging. Remember a time you did. What blessing came out of it?

Prayer

Let them walk away, Lord,
in my hour of need
Let them leave me.
In you, I have all I need
You will provide more
than I can ask or imagine.
Generous Giver,
You will see to it that I glean
a harvest bountiful,
reaping with joy
and thanksgiving.

Amen.