On my running route there’s a tree that’s a bit younger than the fence that runs next to it. Over time, the tree has actually grown into the fence. I imagine it started with the tree leaning on the fence. And over time the tree started to become part of the fence so that today they’re hopelessly intertwined.

The things we lean on often become a part of us.

This is good and not so good. The occasional drink becomes a drinking problem. The scandal-talking friend we occasionally chat with can turn us into gossips. Undue rumination over an untruth – like we’re unworthy, insignificant, and unforgiven, can turn us into scared and scarred people.

Sunday’s Collect takes us in a different direction by challenging us to lean on, and hold onto those things that are heavenly: ‘Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly to hold fast to those things that shall endure’

Can we hold onto the words of heaven that tell us: Don’t worry. It’ll be OK. It’s under control. Relax. Holding onto these truths eventually becomes a part of us and makes us more into the people we are called – and want – to be.

What are you holding onto? What do you need to let go of?  May God grant us the strength to hold on and let go of the right things.