The other day, while speaking with my hubby about an issue, I made the comment, 'It is what it is', and prepared to move on to the next topic we were to address. But before I could open my mouth, Chuck asked me, 'Why do you always say that, and what exactly does it mean?'
I made the usual remarks, like, 'I've been saying that forever', and 'It just means I can't change it', that kind of thing. Chuck seemed satisfied with those answers, and we moved on with taking care of business.
But for some reason, that small exchange stayed with me. I guess you could say my curiosity was piqued, goading me into self-examination. Why DO I say that sentence, and why so often?
All I can really say about that is this: IT IS WHAT IT IS. Sorry, but that is the truth. Consider one of God's most powerful names...I AM. Very short, but direct, and powerful. It is in and of itself truth. Honest, pure, factual, and totally captivating.
I believe, after considering why I feel so connected to this small collection of words, that the phrase eliminates the possibility that I myself am able to change some of the things in my life, and in the lives of others, things that we may wish were non-existant. Yet sometimes, when we examine them at the time, or even after the time has passed, we see that those things came into our lives with purpose, and when all is said and done, they were of benefit to us.
It is much like that famous poem, The Serenity Prayer. As we grow older, and experience life, we learn to change the things we can, accept what we can't, and know the difference between the two. It's called wisdom. And it is from God.
Now I believe I recognize that the most probable reason that 'IT IS WHAT IT IS' is so important to me, is because God is the answer to everything. The words remind me that everything, including me, is in His hands. And nothing touches us that has not gone through those very same hands. I am to trust Him wholly, completely, without question, without rationalization, without searching for a reason as to why I should. He is 'I AM', so it follows that 'IT IS WHAT IT IS'.
Of course we should look at things in life with open eyes, and change the things we can. But sometimes we waste alot of time, fruitlessly, on things that in the long run are simply not worth the effort. When we trust God to take care of it, then we can focus our attention and energy on those things most important in our lives, and which will have an eternal impact on the Kingdom.
Use wisdom, knowledge, and prayer to achieve worthwhile change. For all else, remember that it truly is what it is.
Blessings!
