Article April 19, 2004 Issue

Sweet surrender

Meg Dendler

'I SURRENDER TO YOUR WILL!" Bruce Nolan desperately yells to God as the rain pours down and soaks him to the skin. OK, it's only a movie moment from Bruce Almighty, but his final release to God's plan was close to my heart. If only I could start at that level of complete surrender, instead of fighting tooth and nail to have my own will be done.

It's awe-inspiring to sit back and remember how many times divine Love has led me, cared for me, and guided me to just the right place, situation, or answer. But, to be totally honest, I usually didn't go easily. I've even joked with friends that God has had to drag me by the proverbial hair, kicking and screaming, in a number of directions. Then I would stop and appreciate where I'd ended up.

But that's not really surrender.