‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free

’tis the gift to come down where you ought to be

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

‘twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gained,

to bow and to bend we shan’t ashamed

to turn, turn will be our delight

’til by turning, turning we come round right.

Traditional Shaker Hymn

There have been many times in my life when I had to choose between seeking something I wanted for myself directly and seeking a way that offered something not quite what I wanted and something life-giving for those I love most in this world. When I’ve chosen the second path, it’s always held something unexpected, usually as intriguing and life-giving as the more obvious choice. What I got out of it was always enough.

I can’t say I’ve always chosen wisely, or been particularly gracious or thankful for the alternate path. I can say that I’ve lived a deeper, more sacred life – even though it may not look like what I originally imagined, wanted, or expected. I am grateful for the choice in the first place, and for God’s presence on my chosen path. Maybe the gift to be free is the blessing to choose until I end up where I ought to be…