Every day, people turn their minds and hearts to prayer for themselves and others. Regardless of spiritual orientation or faith tradition, it becomes a lifeline to the God of their understanding. We humans are born, live, have experiences; some joyful, some painful and then, when our clock has stopped ticking, we pass on to whatever awaits. It is natural; if life feels flowing and full, to want to delay that eventuality and if someone is faced with a life challenging condition, to cling to this side with all our might and the collective energy of those who want us to stick around. The image that just came to me was that of the children’s game Tug of War. We pull and effort to have this loved one remain with us and the Creator beckons him or her Home. By the way, this is my perception and in no way do I intend to tell anyone what to believe spiritually.

When my husband was in the ICU back in 1998, on life support while awaiting a liver transplant, I had what I referred to as “God wrestling” sessions. I would say “He’s mine and you can’t have him,” to which the loving response was “No, he’s mine and he’s on loan to you, like everyone else in your life.” And so, I had two choices; one to resist and continue to pull and tug and one to sigh and accept. Ultimately, I chose the second and Michael took his final assisted breath on December 21, 1998.  Ten years later, I released my father and two and half years after that, my mother. Each time, the surrender felt strangely natural. Just like Michael, their bodies were ready to release their souls.

Over the years, I have been asked to and have been independently moved to pray for folks who are in need. Although my desire is that they live and be well, it may not be in the cards for them to do so. Who am I to decide that for them?  Seems to me that it is a negotiation between this person and their Divine Designer. When that happens, I offer intention that whatever is for their Highest Good come to be. Tough stuff when the one we are releasing is an important part of our lives. I wonder though, is it harder still to witness suffering?  know it was for me. As much as I miss family and friends who have transitioned, I am relieved for them that they are no longer in pain, no longer limited by earthly constraints.

And so, as I begin this day, I ask for the acceptance of whatever is for the Highest Good for us all, and surrender the outcome.