[ all or nothing ]

   surrender.

   jesus came down to earth himself. giving up everything. becoming a mere human like me. to live and breathe the air we breathe. to one day die the most painful death. nailed to a cross, as a living sacrifice for all of humanity for every single mistake and sin and wrong ever committed -- past, present, and future.

   surrender.

   it has an awkward taste on the tongue. surrendering in war means you give up and hope the enemy doesn't just kill you anyway. surrendering means giving up in our minds, doesn't it.

   and yet, in this seemingly opposite notion, surrendering to God simply means that you actually gain everything.

[ the chase of change ]

   She ran quickly, glancing behind her as if there were some way she could stay behind and remain as she was. But no. Her pursuer gazed after her with a bitter stare, the cold winds underlining the sentiment.

   Colors grew rebellious and violent as she ran, blazing to furious reds, burnt yellows -- all as if portraying her anger at being driven out. The trees could do little to fend off the change. Eventually though, they began dropping their garments, leaves slowly making their way to the ground. They gathered in little huddles, only disturbed by the occasional crackling death of a companion who happened to be in the way of a passerby.