Non-Essential

Non-Essential…I run on the Pathfinder Bartlesville, Ok amongst the trees, and realized how much I need them, how they serve me and keep me alive. As I pondered all the ways in which our climate, animals, wind, sea, sky, stars, magnetic poles all interact with each other, I was hit with a truth that I have never considered before.

We, humankind, are the only thing that does NOTHING for the world, our earth, or our universe. If we all went extinct everything on the face of the planet could go on living. Nothing needs us for survival. Nothing.

There is no animal that needs us to feed it, no tree that needs us to water it, no fish waiting for us to sprinkle food across the surface of the ocean. We are non-essential. I am a bit floored by this discovery and humbled. I am realizing I need to change my posture towards my existence. I am a guest here.

All these things around me give me life. They sustain my life and create a place where I can breathe, eat and live. I am completely dependent. If not for trees, bees, and plankton, my life on this planet could easily come to an end. If my eyes are opened to my dependence, how might it change my mindset? How might it change what I try to control? How might it change my anxiety level? How might it change my appreciation for my fellow man?

It makes me think of how Yeshua used a story to maybe paint a picture similar to this. Look at the lilies of the field, look at the birds, how they are clothed and fed. The earth in all its splendor takes care of all their needs. This same great power that feeds birds will it not also care for you? Why do you worry about tomorrow? Tomorrow will take care of itself. Live one day at a time.

I have been learning about surrender. Surrender that believes greatly in this mighty power that is holding all things together, that does not need my help, nor my existence. I have been learning what it looks like to rest and surrender to this great power that holds all things, this great force that pushes the waves, this gravity that grounds all things, this magnetism that pulls and draws all things.

I am allowing it to do what it does best “give” and “create life.” This mysterious gift gives and gives and gives to me. It sustains my every breath. So, what else can I leave in its hands?