These two things are almost all I want, but unfortunately, neither one is my strong suit. I am very strong on blame, and wish this were one of God's values, but trust, surrender? Letting go, forgiveness? Maybe just after a period of prayer, but then when the mood passes and real life rears its ugly head again? Not so much. I hate this, the fact that life is usually Chutes and Ladders, with no guaranteed gains.I cannot will myself into having these qualities, so I have to pray for them more often, if I want to be happy. I have to create the habit, just as I had to do with daily writing, and flossing.
In her book "Help Thanks Wow: The Three Essential Prayers," Anne Lamott expresses her desire for trust, surrender, and forgiveness, recognizing that these virtues do not come naturally to her. Instead, she finds herself prone to blame, lamenting that this inclination does not align with the values she aspires to uphold. Life often feels unpredictable and unfair, similar to a game of Chutes and Ladders, where progress isn't assured. This reality frustrates her, especially regarding her spiritual growth and emotional well-being.
Lamott acknowledges that she cannot simply will herself to embody these qualities; instead, she turns to prayer as a means of cultivating them. She understands that developing habits like trust and forgiveness requires consistent effort, much like her commitment to daily writing and flossing. By approaching these challenges with prayer, she hopes to foster a greater sense of happiness and resilience in the face of life's uncertainties.
