Sometimes you are lucky enough to find a community that feels just like the place you want to hang out. You know when you visit that it feels like home and once there you don’t want to leave. It’s the feeling you get when you sit across the table from a friend with your favorite coffee or tea. The conversation flows and the friendship flourishes. There is such a place that gathers every week at Kate Motaung’s. It’s called Five Minute Friday where coffee and chocolate are always available. Some friends meet on Twitter Thursday evenings to begin the party and others join after a one word prompt is given for all to ponder. These are my people and this community is HOME. Come join us as we write for five minutes on a word and share your own ponderings.
CONTROL
GO…
I remember summer days with a newborn in my arms and a toddler running free in the backyard. I watched the the glee on my son’s face as he spread his wings. I believed that I had this mothering thing down. I loved being a mom and gloried in the newness of caring for two young sons. It was at this same time as I lived out how well everything was going that my older son took to spreading his wings a little too wide. And that is the rest of the story.
I could stand on the deck and survey the backyard easily. But as soon as I needed my toddler to do something specific for me, he would hide behind the big oak tree. Running with a newborn was not high on my list of things to try. Shouting when my son was hiding behind the tree was another thing I knew would not work. The minute I believed I had control was the time that I knew I didn’t.
I have always desired control in my life. Planning out the details and visualizing what the activity would like before joining in helped me to feel like I was ready. Preparing far in advance relieved the stress of not being in control. Knowing my son was hiding behind the big oak tree made me crazy. He knew it too. Oh to think we are in control to find out we are fighting a losing battle.
As I have gotten older, I am learning that control works best when it is released. When I let go of all that I cannot control, I achieve freedom. With this freedom I gain a sense of who I am as God’s child. He takes the control that we release and replaces it with His peace. God teaches us how to rely on the one thing that will never fail us – HIM!
[Tweet “When we consider God’s wonders, we learn the world’s search for control is really His.”]
I love these words from Job. When we stop and consider God’s wonders, we need never consider a world that vies for control that is really God’s to begin with.
Listen to this, Job;
stop and consider God’s wonders.Do you know how God controls the clouds
and makes his lightning flash?
Do you know how the clouds hang poised,
those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge? Job 37:14-16
STOP
I truly believe that the biggest mistake that people make is to believe that they are in control of anything. From the very beginning…God has been in control. We cry and moan when things don’t go our way or when troubles strike….simply because we forget that we are not the ones in control. Everything is happening according to His design….His plan…We are not in control…something we loose sight of each an every day. The only thing we are in control of is how we respond…
Our minds were thinking along the same lines this week, friend. One of God’s great mysterious – living in freedom by giving up a control. Foolishness to the wise 😉
I loved seeing you write for Five Minute Friday. What a treat! We both know our control comes from God. I am grateful He is so capable.
Mary, your words about motherhood made me smile. We harbour the believe we can control our children to some extent, then they always find a way to usurp that thought and fly freely from our grasp! I can also relate strongly to the creeping realisation of not having control over my life but feeling grateful that God does, just as you share here: “As I have gotten older, I am learning that control works best when it is released. When I let go of all that I cannot control, I achieve freedom.” Amen, my friend! I love being part of the community you have nurtured here, but I am sorry that I cannot always keep up with your words. Blessings of grace and peace on your weekend. xo <3
Raising two boys was fun but it had its moments of chaos. I am sure you remember when you were raising your own kids. As much as I crave control, I know that it really is not mine to control. I love this time of life for all God is teaching me. The lessons are hard but so good.
You are a beautiful part of this community and even if you are not leaving comments, I know you are here. I love your gentle spirit and beautiful encouragement you leave me when you are able. Thank you for being you and for always lifting me up in affirmation.
So true! Just when we think we are in control God reminds us of just how mighty he is.
God does what he has to do to keep us focused on Him. Thank you for being here Melissa! Happy weekend!
I just read through Job in The Message this month and oh my goodness… so good! Great take on Control, my friend!
Don’t you love Job? He could be me. I question and wonder over and over and it usually doesn’t get me anywhere. Good to see you sweet friend!
“When I let go of all that I cannot control, I achieve freedom. ” Isn’t that so true! We hold on not realizing that when we let go we find the freedom we are looking for. I’m so thankful our Father has things under control! Blessings to you!
I am thankful for our Father too. I know I would continue to hold on long after I should without the gentle reminder of God to let go. Thank you for being here. Blessings on your weekend!
So true! Such a paradox. Seeking to control to lessen anxiety but it is in letting go of control when we become peaceful.
I know I go about things the wrong way and end up making things harder than I need to. Seeking control rather than releasing it is one of those lessons I need to learn. Have a restful weekend friend!
My fave line: “When I let go of all that I cannot control, I achieve freedom.” That really spoke to me, Mary. Thanks for the encouragement, sister!!
You are welcome Christina! I know ultimately that I desire freedom. Now if I could just learn the lesson of releasing control so I can achieve it! Blessed to have you here today!
Wow. You and I could be twins, friend. Everything you wrote resonated deeply in the heart of this fellow traveler who is learning to let go of control. Thank you for sharing this. A needed reminder for me today.
Well I would love to be your twin! I am so blessed to know you are on this journey with me. From one control seeking girl to another-let it go! Praying you have a restful and beautiful weekend!
Ha! This reminded me of my morning! When I went to feed Labby the Labrador in his run (yes, I was out of imagination when I maned him), he took off for a romp around the yard (about 1-1/2 acres, fenced)
I couldn’t just let him run with no time limit; other dogs had to be exercised, and the fence isn’t THAT secure. But I’m in no shape to catch him. Never was, really. He’s big, fast and powerful, and would give Usain Bolt an insurmountable challenge.
So I just waited by the gate to his run, and eventually he had enough and came back, ready for treats and hugs.
had I tried to control him, I would have been exhausted and hurt. But all I had to do was exercise some guidance, calling him from the fence when he was too close to the weak spots.
A good morning.
#1 at FMF this week.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/01/your-dying-spouse-264-theres-still-work.html
It sounds like a wonderful morning. Your story about releasing the need to control is so timely as I try to do that in my own life. I always loves when I see you have stopped by here Andrew. Many blessings and strength for your weekend!
So much THIS: “As I have gotten older, I am learning that control works best when it is released. When I let go of all that I cannot control, I achieve freedom” I’m in the 11 spot this week.