My Way
Recently, I listened again to Frank Sinatra’s iconic song “I Did It My Way.”
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
I didn’t expect the goosebumps, or the slight welling of tears. No wonder it’s considered one of Sinatra’s most timeless songs — an anthem of independence, courage, and personal triumph.
But now, as I study the story of Eve in the Garden of Eden, I hear the lyrics differently. They don’t just echo Sinatra’s personal journey — they mirror Eve’s ancient one.
Eve’s choice in Eden reflects the same deep human longing: autonomy, self-direction, and control. The Serpent’s promise was seductive — “You will be like God, knowing good and evil.” It was the ultimate invitation to do life on one’s own terms. And Eve took it.
She stepped off the path of dependence on God and tried to chart her own course. But unlike the triumphant ending in the song, Eve’s story spiraled into sorrow, separation, and shame. Her boldness did not lead to glory — it led to exile.
Why was Eve so vulnerable? Why wasn't her choice as triumphant? I think its because she had a supernatural connection to the Divine. They had a rare intimacy at that time - it sounds as if they even shared evening walks together - and the Serpent was able to twist that divine connection into a temptation. The longing to be with God became the urge to replace Him. And that’s still our struggle today.
We like to think we have three fundamental choices:
We do have secondary choices such as not to do it my mother's way - my father's way - even my dear friend's way - then to choose to do it my way is a courageous choice - especially if it is slightly better.
But to assume to know better than Creator God - the God who spins the planets on his fingertips - is really preposterous.
We are not in control of our world. Eve didn't choose her own way - she couldn't - so she chose against God. She really chose a vacuum of nothingness - chaos.
In many ways we are still following her footsteps - Eve's way.
And yet this God, who is obviously not a micromanager - and as the one who made us knows us better than anyone - still loves us and has even offered to help us to do "it my way."
Sinatra’s song stirs something in us — because doing it sounds brave. But in the end, it may be the bravest thing of all to say, “Not my way, but Yours God.”
“Surrender your own poverty and acknowledge your nothingness to the Lord. Whether you understand it or not, God loves you, is present in you, lives in you, dwells in you, calls you, saves you and offers you an understanding and compassion which are like nothing you have ever found in a book or heard in a sermon.” ― Thomas Merton
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
I didn’t expect the goosebumps, or the slight welling of tears. No wonder it’s considered one of Sinatra’s most timeless songs — an anthem of independence, courage, and personal triumph.
But now, as I study the story of Eve in the Garden of Eden, I hear the lyrics differently. They don’t just echo Sinatra’s personal journey — they mirror Eve’s ancient one.
Eve’s choice in Eden reflects the same deep human longing: autonomy, self-direction, and control. The Serpent’s promise was seductive — “You will be like God, knowing good and evil.” It was the ultimate invitation to do life on one’s own terms. And Eve took it.
She stepped off the path of dependence on God and tried to chart her own course. But unlike the triumphant ending in the song, Eve’s story spiraled into sorrow, separation, and shame. Her boldness did not lead to glory — it led to exile.
Why was Eve so vulnerable? Why wasn't her choice as triumphant? I think its because she had a supernatural connection to the Divine. They had a rare intimacy at that time - it sounds as if they even shared evening walks together - and the Serpent was able to twist that divine connection into a temptation. The longing to be with God became the urge to replace Him. And that’s still our struggle today.
We like to think we have three fundamental choices:
- I can follow God.
- I can choose the Serpent.
- Or
- I can do it my way.
We do have secondary choices such as not to do it my mother's way - my father's way - even my dear friend's way - then to choose to do it my way is a courageous choice - especially if it is slightly better.
But to assume to know better than Creator God - the God who spins the planets on his fingertips - is really preposterous.
We are not in control of our world. Eve didn't choose her own way - she couldn't - so she chose against God. She really chose a vacuum of nothingness - chaos.
In many ways we are still following her footsteps - Eve's way.
And yet this God, who is obviously not a micromanager - and as the one who made us knows us better than anyone - still loves us and has even offered to help us to do "it my way."
Sinatra’s song stirs something in us — because doing it sounds brave. But in the end, it may be the bravest thing of all to say, “Not my way, but Yours God.”
“Surrender your own poverty and acknowledge your nothingness to the Lord. Whether you understand it or not, God loves you, is present in you, lives in you, dwells in you, calls you, saves you and offers you an understanding and compassion which are like nothing you have ever found in a book or heard in a sermon.” ― Thomas Merton
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