In any war or any fight, to surrender means you lose. Only in Christianity does surrender guarantee victory.

Over 30 years ago, while going through the biggest struggle in my life, it was recommended that I exercise and enjoy the outdoors. I started jogging on the levee in Reserve. Early every morning, I would jog a couple of miles and repeat the Serenity Prayer. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

While attending peer support groups, people kept telling me that God would not send me more than I could handle.

One morning, while jogging in a light rain and reciting the Serenity Prayer, I remembered what people said about God not sending me more than I could handle. I shouted out, “God, You’ve overestimated me. I can’t take it anymore. Get off my back.” I started to cry, and as I was in front of St. Peter Church, I ran in, wet and weeping, and pleaded with God to heal my hurt.

That was the beginning of me surrendering my life over to the God of my understanding. Notice I said the beginning. It’s been a long journey for me.

During those years, I often decided to take back the control of my destiny and the misery of a life

without God’s protection and wisdom.

Today, I’ve realized that surrendering to God is a daily exercise. When I take my daily exercise of surrendering and knowing God is in control, everything goes according to His plan, not mine.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.