MAKING SPACE FOR POSSIBILITY
"There is no one among your relatives who has this name." So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name," and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. "What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.” - Lk. 1:61-66
It’s amazing when a child is born, a free gift given to their parents and to the world. A gift full of wonder and mystery, curiosity and possibility. Even more so with the events leading up to the birth of John the Baptist.
Yet as a child grows, social norms and cultural pressures place boundaries and expectations on what is acceptable and celebrated. As adults, we then get caught up in wondering what we’re really meant to do with our lives, if we are on the right path, if there is something more, and so forth. Is there a way to recapture the initial sense of awe and openness of those around John the Baptist in his first moments? That is, can we break open possibility without bounds, for whatever God has in store?
I have found myself challenged in this regard when I’m feeling invited to explore something new -- whether it be related to work, relationships, or otherwise. For me, the most helpful thing that I can do in these situations is stay connected to what I’m desiring, not how it should look. I may want more meaningful relationships or growth in my career. By not attaching myself to how they look or what would be “acceptable” to me, I leave space to be surprised beyond my imagination in the best way. It is when I set expectations, even subconsciously, that I always get myself into trouble. It is the openness to deepening trust and ultimately more joy that makes all the difference.
How can I create space to break open possibilities? Lord, please help me to open up to deeper perspectives of understanding as Christmas nears.
Quyen “Nhi” Ngo