Many years ago I drove on the Bluegrass Parkway in Kentucky in the deep Winter more on a sheet of ice than asphalt. Foolishly I drove a bit too fast and suddenly found myself in a car that was revolving 360 degrees on the deserted roadway. Somehow I had the presence of mind to not slam on the brake and not frantically over-steer. I took my hands off the steering wheel and the car righted itself. There I sat in the middle of the frozen countryside not in the ditch not because of my effort but because of what I had allowed to happen!

This is a metaphor for the spiritual life. It is not just what you do, but what you allow to happen that matters. It is a delicate and continual balance between doing and surrendering.