Surrender to the Flow

Life is a great journey

Flowing steady and sure—

A stream of life-giving water,

Fresh, precious, and pure.

Yet we spend most of our time

Thinking we can make the call,

Fighting against the strong currents,

For we know better than the maker of all.

"I know the way forward,"

"I have a great plan.

Just a little more effort—

I'll reach the safety of dry land."

Relentlessly moving and flowing,

I feel the force of this stream,

Pulling me in another direction,

Away from all that I dream.

A menacing presence

Leads me farther away

From the bright, happy future

I hope to enjoy someday.

As the years go by,

Tired and weary from the fight,

I realize my labor, my efforts,

Have not led me to light.

Broken dreams and life's losses

Bring me sorrow and pain;

My self-confidence and assurance

Leave me battered and slain.

The stream’s force is persistent,

Its pull ever strong.

I am worn, tired, and beaten—

Having fought for so long.

For the first time, I wonder

Where this river might lead.

"Is your way better?"

I beg and I plead.

It’s hard to imagine

This stream as something better,

With turbulence and rapids,

I'll be constantly battered.

No purpose, no plan,

A complete lack of control;

A risk far too large—

Destination unknown.

What if I just slow down,

Quietly sit and ponder

The beauty of the stream,

The steady, gentle flow yonder?

I see sweet, gentle flow

And I see great freedom;

With steady purpose and hope,

The current will lead them—

Around obstacles great

And others quite small,

And over great cliffs

The water will fall.

In pools peaceful and calm,

With progress slow and unnoticed,

The force of gravity pulling

Toward some greater purpose.

Embankments, great boundaries,

Help to contain the flow,

Provide guidance and direction,

While leaving freedom to grow.

What if I surrender my stubbornness,

My personal plans and my will,

And stop trying so hard

To push my life up a hill?

Carried away in the arms

Of a gently flowing stream,

Humbly surrendering my will

To the journey, the dream.

A life of simplicity and wonder,

I now live a new story—

Let this stream lead me on

Toward love, joy, and glory.