I can remember my dad, a father of nine children, in his more harried moments, mumbling under his breath, “acceptance—no resistance.” That was his mantra when he felt overwhelmed and wanted the situation to be different than it was. Whether it was the commotion of many children in our home, or a car that wouldn’t start, Dad had learned a valuable lesson, and, even under his breath, he taught it to me.

I have since learned why “acceptance of what is” can be so important. The situation or circumstance ALREADY IS. We can choose to fight against it and wish and pray it was different, using lots of energy in that effort…or we can ACCEPT what IS, and find our way through it. Acceptance allows us to think more clearly and be better able to deal with the situation.

The second part is equally important. When we RESIST what IS—what we think is causing us pain and suffering—our energy is wrapped up in a “fight” we have already lost. And in the fight we are blocking God—who is always there to show us the way through any situation. In our right minds it seems rather futile, or silly, to try to change something that already IS, but it is a common, and very human, response. We all do it. And we don’t realize that often it’s the resistance that causes a lot of our pain and suffering.

So I am in acceptance–no resistance mode lately:

I accept this heat. I accept that I can’t travel to see my children and grandchildren. I accept that I can’t go to my friend’s mother’s funeral, or a graduation, or wedding, or to visit someone in the retirement home. I accept that my granddaughter will be teaching in a situation she was never prepared for. I accept that some of my children are on the front lines caring for the sick, and are facing very difficult challenges and possible illness.

I also accept that my situation is far different than those who, because of Covid-19, have lost their jobs, their homes, and for many—their loved ones. Those who are struggling to feed their families, and make the difficult decisions around their children’s schooling this fall.

It would be so easy to rail against this virus and the disruptions to our lives, the economy, the schools, etc. To try to find someone or something to blame for its presence in our lives. To cry out to God about the many injustices around it. But it IS here, and it IS changing all of our lives.

And so…perhaps we can say, without resistance, and with trust in God, I accept what IS in this moment. Perhaps then we can use our energy for the actions, and prayer, that will help us get through it.

Acceptance—no resistance lets us be a little more peaceful, to see with greater clarity what we need to do, knowing that God is still in charge. Acceptance doesn’t mean we must be happy about it. It means we accept that “it is what it is.” And that allows us to be able to feel God’s presence in our lives, and hear God’s words of comfort and encouragement.

Acceptance—no resistance. Thank you, Dad.