My friend Ann Smith, a wise and insightful mentor, once gave me this observation from her years of working with people:
MOST PEOPLE GET INTO TROUBLE BECAUSE THEY HANG ON TO WHAT THEY SHOULD LET GO OF AND LET GO OF WHAT THEY SHOULD HANG ON TO.
Now, as I look back on our experience with artists, students, friends, and audiences from all walks of life, I have found this statement to be true. And in my own life I would have to admit that my failures and successes, my growth spurts and set-backs can be traced to my own choices of what to hang on to and what to let go of.
Great wisdom of the ages should not be disregarded lightly. The book of Proverbs is full of warnings and encouragements focused on what to hang on to and what to let go of. And Jesus was wisdom, walking—so much so that many biblical scholars suggest that we could substitute the name of Jesus for the word “wisdom” as we read through the Proverbs. In the gospels we see Him living out the “cling to” and “relinquish” tension with every breath.
The great saints, the prophets, and many deep seekers who have gone to the desert or the seashore to step back from the politic of life and current skewed public opinion to gain perspective, have given us stories and poetry, songs and principles for living in the hopes we, who have come after them, could steer a clearer course and avoid some of the “shipwrecks” they had in trying to find their way.
I love the children’s movie FROZEN. Nearly every three-year-old in American (and, I would venture, their parents and grandparents, too!) can sing every word of the theme song, “Let It Go!” If anyone had brought us the lyrics to this song, suggesting it would be perfect for a kids’ movie, we would have undoubtedly rejected it for being too complicated and profound for a child. But never underestimate the mind of a child. The kids “get” this song!
“Let it go! Let it go!” the children sing, spinning around with their hands in the air just like the ice princess. And, indeed, even children are experiencing in our culture the discovery that there are hurtful things, things out of their control, that they must “let go” of if they want to survive and move on unencumbered.
I guess I am hoping for a sequel hit that says, “Hold it close! Hold it close! Never let this treasure go!” Because as important as it is to let go of grudges, pain, betrayals, hurtful memories, damaging habits, and untrue beliefs, there are some things we must hold on to.
For a short list, the words of Paul is a good place to start:
Finally, whatever is true,
Whatever is noble,
Whatever is right,
Whatever is pure,
Whatever is lovely,
Whatever is admirable--
If anything is excellent or praise worthy—think about such things. (Phil.4:8-9)
