"Hay solo dos tipos de personas: las que dicen a Dios 'Hágase tu voluntad' y aquellas a quienes Dios dice 'Está bien entonces, haz lo que quieras'."

This quote boils down to an interesting concept about surrendering control versus insisting on having things your own way. It's saying that in life, you can either trust a higher power (whether you call that God, fate, or the universe) and go with the flow, or you can be stubborn and insist on making your own path, sometimes to your detriment.

Imagine this: it's the 1940s, C.S. Lewis is making waves with his writings. This quote comes from his book "The Great Divorce," which is a sort of allegory about heaven and hell. Lewis was exploring the idea of free will and how our choices lead us closer to or further from divine will. He was trying to give people a picture of the spiritual consequences of their actions.

Let’s get into a real-life example. Think of that friend who always insists on doing things their way, no matter what advice they get. Picture them planning a camping trip. They’re determined to go deep into the wilderness even though everyone’s warned them about the weather forecast predicting a massive storm. They’re adamant: "No, it’ll be fine. This is the best spot!" They reach the site, it starts pouring, and they’re stuck in a miserable situation. Contrast this with someone who listens to the warnings and changes their plans, opting for a safer, less adventurous spot. They might not get the thrill they initially sought, but they end up having a great time, safe and sound.

So, how do you apply this in your life? Start by recognizing where you’re trying to force things. Are you in a job that’s making you miserable, but you’re staying because you think it’s what you’re supposed to do? Or maybe you’re in a relationship where you’re always trying to change the other person. Sometimes, stepping back, taking a breath, and saying, "Okay, I’m going to trust that things will work out if I let go a bit," can be incredibly freeing. Try it in small ways first – like letting someone else pick the movie or the restaurant. Notice how it feels not to be in control.

Picture this scenario: You’re at a coffee shop with a friend, talking about life’s rough patches. Your friend tells you about a time they were so fixated on getting a promotion at work that they worked late every night, skipped social events, and stressed themselves out to the point of exhaustion. They didn’t get the promotion. But then, they decided to take a different approach. They focused on doing their job well but also made time for hobbies and friends. Eventually, another opportunity came up, one that fit them even better, and they got it. The moral? Sometimes the best things happen when you’re not trying so hard to control every outcome.

It’s all about balance. No one’s saying never try or follow your instincts. But sometimes, loosening your grip and trusting that things will work out – even if they don’t go the way you planned – can lead to unexpected and wonderful outcomes. Think about where you can say, "Thy will be done," in your life and see what happens. You might be surprised.