CONTROL!

Photo by bottled_void

CONTROL!  That one word summarizes the source of a lot of my stress, especially during busy times of the year like now.  I really believe it’s a problem for ALL of us.

I like to be in control of things.  It’s in our nature to want to be the master of our life.  We want to control where we go and what we do.  We also want to control others around us.

The problem is that we don’t always make good decisions about control.  We try to control things in a BAD direction.  We try to control things that are not in our area of responsibility or ability.  We try to control others who are, at the same time, trying to control us.  This leads to real conflict and stress.

I have a special problem with trying to control the technology in my life.  This week I’ve been trying to get a new cell phone to replace my wife’s dinosaur.  It’s turned into one of those not so simple issues.  And, since the inner workings of cell phones and “invisible” networks is far beyond my ability to control, it leads me to great frustration.  And, the bigger problem is that when I lose control in this area of my life, I sometimes…sad to say…try to regain control in my life by overcompensating in an area that’s easily accessible…my family.  So, I become extra demanding and controlling over Heather and the kids.  If they aren’t doing exactly what I want and when I want then I’ll let them know.  Yes, I’m still a sinner who foolishly hurts others in my quest for…CONTROL!

So, I humbly confess my fault to the one who IS in control of everything; my Lord, Jesus.  I plead for His forgiveness.  I then rejoice that He freely gives it.  He has chosen to use His almighty control to love me unconditionally.  I also leave more of my life in His perfect hands, knowing He can control things much better than me.  When it comes to cell phones…I’ll leave it up to Him because I’m convinced that only God knows how all of that is supposed to work.

How blessed we are to be able to give up control to our loving Bridegroom, Jesus.