Surrender, Connection, and the Gift of Learning

It’s a peaceful Sunday morning. Raindrops are gently falling; not torrential, just enough to cool the air. I step outside my front door and take in the view: grass as green and lush as a carpet, shrubbery shaped like small balls, full of promise and growth. If peace had a form, I imagine it would look like this.

No swirling thoughts in my mind, just the quiet joy of basking in God’s creation. Surrounded. Surrendered. Humbled. Grateful.

Gratitude often shows up when we realize we get to live, enjoy, and love without needing to earn it. It’s an acknowledgment of God’s greatness; a soft heart posture that says, “I see You, Lord.”

And just as we learn to acknowledge God, we can also learn to acknowledge one another. It seems to be a basic human need: to be seen, known, and appreciated.

One thing I’m especially grateful for is my family. Maybe you have a family group chat like we do; a space where everyone stays connected through updates, messages, and jokes. (Side note: a family group chat would have been really helpful in Biblical times!) Ours has evolved into more than just a communication tool. It’s become a space for learning, laughter, and connection.

About two years ago, my youngest introduced something called Friday Five, where we each share the five most recent photos from our phones every Friday. Five is the minimum, but sometimes it’s more, sometimes less. Most of us participate regularly, and it’s always a treat when one particular family member, who never takes pictures, decides to share. The photos can be funny, heartfelt, or completely random (memes and screenshots included), but they always give a little window into each other’s lives. I’ve come to really look forward to them.

I’m also thankful for the sibling group chat. Over time, it’s taken on a life of its own, filled with inside jokes, quick encouragement, and the planning of major events like my dad’s recent funeral. But even more meaningfully, it’s been a place of discovery. Just because we grew up together doesn’t mean we had the same experience.

It’s been eye-opening to hear stories; who was bullied, who got to tag along with Daddy on Saturdays, or when Mummy unexpectedly showed up at a party. Things we never knew. Things we’re just now sharing.

But none of this matters if your heart isn’t open to learning. It turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks if the dog is willing.

I've learned new things about my children, my siblings, and above all, about God’s unshakable faithfulness. If we can stay open to learning something new about Him every day, we can surely extend that same grace and curiosity to the people around us.

I’m still learning what it means to surrender. I don’t have to fight every battle. I don’t have to have the last word. I don’t have to control every outcome. Instead, I can choose to respond differently, not out of fear or pride, but out of faith. For me, it begins with surrendering to the wind of His Spirit, whether it's pushing me forward or gently stopping me in my tracks.

Whatever season you’re in, may you stay soft to God’s voice, open to learning, and grateful for the people He’s placed around you. His Spirit is always moving; sometimes in quiet raindrops, sometimes in group chats, always in love.

--Nylse

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