I hold on to things so tightly–sometimes money, sometimes responsibilities. Often the thing I grip the most tightly, though, is myself. I’m afraid to give too much and be taken advantage of. I’m afraid of criticism, and I doubt the safety of my surroundings.

But when I live this way, I act like there’s no Higher Power. I stop the channels of his grace because I’m in control of my own life, and I deprive myself of the opportunities that Power might have for me.

In my workday today, I will work against self-protection by looking for something I can give. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, and I don’t need to receive thanks and accolades. I just need to give something–with no expectation of receiving something in return–to make more room for grace.