Many moons ago, I was the majorette for our high school marching band. Truth be told, one of the reasons I tried out for this extra-curricular job was because of the adorable, white tasseled boots that were a perk of the position. Yes, the boots were that cute.

As great as the boots were, this position came with an equally amazing and powerful tool….the mighty whistle! With the breath of my lungs and through patterns of long and short blasts through that whistle, I could control whether the entire band stopped, marched or played a song. When we marched forward, every flute, trumpet, and drum was alert listening for my long, eight count, continuous whistle signaling them to ready their instruments and begin to play. I also set the pace of our march and tempo of our tune based on the speed of my whistle tweets. I got to decide all of it.

The one who held the whistle had control.

I am a planner by nature and in general I prefer to be guided by a schedule of what’s going to happen and when. It makes me feel steady and safe. I’m regrettably not very spontaneous though that does sound like a fun and exciting way to live. I want to say I like surprises and adventures, but in reality, I don’t. I like surprises that I know about…which I guess basically nullifies the surprise factor. I wonder if you can relate?

The obvious problem is that in reality, any given day or season can be peppered with unplanned surprises and unexpected changes. We make plans but God determines our steps. Someone else holds the whistle.

This I am learning: there is a laying aside of my own planning, pride, and portion when it comes to surrendering to the Lord and asking Him, inviting Him, to direct my path.

With baby steps, I am learning to unapologetically accept my limitations and invite the Lord’s direction and tempo over and throughout my day. I am seeking to seek the Lord for my marching orders as well as sitting orders.
It’s becoming for me a protective daily discipline of building an awareness of my limitations and acknowledging my utter dependence upon the Lord. Then with a surrendered heart, inviting Him to determine my steps. Kind of a “here is what I’m thinking but what do You say, Lord?”

I share this peek into my own stumbling journey and my daily prayer of surrender in hopes that it encourages and benefits you, too…

“Lord, I seek you as I acknowledge and accept my limitations. I give You thanks for my strength which you have provided.How shall I best steward my body and the energy I have today?
Lord, direct my day. Do I need to deviate from my plan? What do You have for me today? And what is your tempo for me this day?
Lord, help me to hold tighter to your hand than to my plan today.I lay down my whistle.“