CONTROLLING THE CONTROLLABLES
Years ago I was fretting over going to visit my daughter in Alaska for the first time. I do not really like flying and it was going to be several very long flights before I reached my destination. My sister was trying to reason with me about the safety of flying, etc. and she asked me what exactly was the problem. I finally said that it was because I was not in control. I couldn’t control the pilot or the plane. She started laughing and then told me these words that stay with me all the time, “You’re not in control of anything!”
I knew what she meant, she meant that the Lord was the only one really in control. The funny thing is, that actually calmed me down. If any body is going to be in control I feel much better knowing that it is the Lord.
BUT, here are some things that she was wrong about. There are several things that we “can” control. The first thing is our attitude. Attitude is a choice. You can choose to be hateful or snippy or you can choose to be loving and caring. This is in your power.
You can control your emotions. You can’t help what life throws at you but you can choose to limit the amount of “drama” that you allow in your life. Certain situations are emotional and we either are sad or happy. But, it is the other emotions that we let dictate our day that we can control. Someone leaves a comment on your Facebook page, someone told a friend a lie, someone is mad at you, etc. These are small examples of drama that you can choose to ignore or you can get all riled up and pretty soon you are right in the middle of a nightmare.
You can control the comparison bug. The bug that makes you look at someone else and say, “I’ll never be that skinny,” “My kids never loved on me like that,” “I could never have a house that nice.” Really, you never know what the real truth of their situations is. The person who is skinny could have an eating disorder or be sick, the child that is loving could really just be trying to connive something out of the parent, and the house could be such a financial strain that their marriage is taking a toll. Don’t get caught up in the I am not a good scenario, instead, remember that you have enough and that you are good enough.
And you can control your actions. You can choose to whine and gripe about your situation or you can choose to take your plea to the Lord. You can waste time worrying about what some one else is doing or you can be doing something yourself.
In my little airplane story, I could have fretted and worried and hated the entire journey to Alaska. Instead, I chose to thank the Lord for the opportunity to go visit my daughter. Instead, I chose to pray for the pilot and for a safe trip. Instead, I chose to spend the time looking out the window and marveling at God’s creations, the beautiful mountains, the gorgeous clouds that we flew through, and just the majesty of the landscape below. All of these things would have been missed had I chose not to fly or if I had chose to spend my time being so afraid that I wouldn’t look out the window.
Life can be hard and there are many things we can’t control but controlling the controllable’s is at least a way to have a happier life.
Have a Blessed Sunday.
Thank you for another Sunday post that is so inspirational . I love reading your posts everyday and thank you for always making us feel good about ourselves! God Bless and enjoy your Sunday Tania?
I’m so glad you made the trip to Alaska. I have so much fear that stops me from doing things. The main thing I wanted to say is that I never feel like I am enough. I try to believe that I am, I try not to compare myself to other women but deep in my heart I just can’t shake the feeling that I am not good enough.
You are so Right, you can choose what drama you let in your life. I learned a long time ago that in order to be happy with who I was, I had to stop listening to those that had nothing Nice or good to say! Every day i try to post positive comments, sayings on my facebook page in hopes that it helps get others through their daily routine. Thank you for your inspiring posts, your beautiful Smile, and your love of fashion. I’m so glad that I found your blog!! Many Blessings to you!!
I’m struggling. Thank you for reminding me of what I already know. Only my sweet Jesus can take care of it all!!
Thank you, nicely said ?
Thank you for these words of encouragement.
Thanks so much for sharing this!
Ah — just what I needed to hear today. The company where I work is moving … which will require me to drive a bit of a distance via highway during rush hour! This thought terrifies me. But, after reading your post I realize I am not in control and that I can manage this new situation with God’s help! Your post has given me the confidence to face this new challenge! Thank you!!
Beth, that is wonderful. Just spend your time on the road doing something you like. Listen to music, audiobooks, I listen to training calls when I have spare time.
Oh love those ideas! Thank you, Tania! 🙂
All I can say is AMEN! 🙂
Beautiful reminders today, Tania. It is easy to feel like a victim when hard times hit. Even in the darkest times; especially in those times, we need to remember that God has us in the palm of His hand. He pulls us up and gives us the ability to choose joy and be thankful. We lost our son and my Mom these past two years and a big part of the healing has been the decisions and attitude we make about how to go on, day by day. I love your blog and find all kinds of inspiration here! Thank you.
Susan, I can’t imagine your pain and the suffering that has happened. I know that we will be reunited one day but the present can be hard. I like to think that I could be thankful for the times that I had with my loved one but until you walk that road you don’t know how you will react. It is great that you have reached out to the Lord for the strength that will get you through the times of struggle.