CONTROL

Today's subject is one that stings. We are all a little guilty of wanting it. That's why we do the things we do. I buy advertising and change things up in my office when I see a decline in business. I have control over how my office operates. It's a good thing. If, after I cook dinner it tastes a little bland, I add salt. Once again, control. I could go on and on about the subject but I won't.

Instead, let me touch on when the subject becomes a little sticky. When we try and control others it affects so many things. I find myself doing this with my adult kids, even though they are quite capable of making their own decisions/mistakes/victories. Let's face it... we all have that desire to want to control the world around us and make everything and every one just as we'd like it/them to be.

But wait!

Controlling "things" is mapping out your destiny in the physical realm. But when we try to control people we are trying to change someone to be who we feel they should be. Oftentimes this stifles the growth of a Christian or an individual who is working hard at becoming a better person. It invades the soul and causes anxiety and depression. It can lead to separation and despair. To be controlled can result in a robotic relationship especially if the one being controlled loves and respects the controller and wants nothing more than to make he/she happy with them.

Being controlled can lead to distancing another-wise close and loving relationship. My final analysis: Let me be me. You will like me, I promise.

But first and foremost, we need to like ourselves.

I think about my Heavenly Father and how I am consistently trying to control His hand in my life. Yea, I do. What does this lead to? It leads to a distance in our relationship. I wonder why I cannot 'hear' him at times, and then I remember. I'm not listening.

Lord, teach me to trust You and have complete faith in You.