Those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Respira. Inspira, espira. Puedes parar en medio de lo que estés haciendo y respirar hondo.

I love this verse in Isaiah. When I was in college, struggling with intense homesickness, I sat with my one of my English professors in her office. I was crying, and she was counseling me. I told her I was trying to hold it all together and after listening, she asked what happens if you let go?

“Don’t I fall?” I asked.

“But what if you fly?”

She pulled out Isaiah 40 and asked me how I can soar when my fingers won’t let go of whatever I’m holding onto so desperately. I thought about it, and she helped me make a list of all the things locked in my fist. What did I need to hold onto? What could I let go? I still had to work through my homesickness (among other things), but it was a place to start.

When I feel overwhelmed now, I still think about that (thanks, Professor Dessart from Waynesburg!). Is it possible to soar on wings like eagles if we don’t (won’t?) let go of whatever it is we can and maybe need to let go of?

Sometimes we feel like we need to hold all the things together, not just for ourselves but for those in our care. We carry a lot and wear a lot of hats. What if you made a list? What do you need to hold onto? What can you let go? And what do you choose to hold onto?

Then wonder who can help you carry the load. Wonder and ask for help.

Whatever season you’re in, hear the promise of Isaiah 40. In the midst of whatever is overwhelming you, make space for the rest you need so you can feel the Lord renewing your strength. Let the breath of God lift you up so you can soar on wings like eagles.