It Is What It Is

Ready for the close-up?

It is what it is. And what this is, is my favorite new bracelet. The inscribed phrase, of uncertain origin, resonates with me because it's pretty much my philosophy in life. Events and circumstances are what they are, and the human side of that equation is to use attitude and action to make whatever comes our way work for us. In other words, "You cannot control the wind, but you can adjust your sails." Trying to change or rearrange things that lie beyond our control is an exercise in futility.

It's all about acceptance, a quality the apostle Paul really understood: "...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4: 11).

It is what it is.

The more I adopt this point of view, the less stressful my turn on earth becomes. Doing my best not to judge the merit of any given life experience by comparing it to whatever potentially growth-inhibiting circumstances I might favor (translation: path of least resistance) brings me peace. I feel better when I "trust in the Lord with all [mine] heart and lean not upon [mine] own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5), and I try hard to make a conscious effort to be grateful that God is in charge and has a plan for me that is better than anything I might be able to come up with myself.

There's just one catch. I don't always succeed in my efforts. Hence, the bracelet.

(A gentle reminder, for––and from––one of my BFFs.)

Me.

=)