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Jul 07, 2021 08:00am

Taking Control by Giving it Up

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Let’s recap the day, shall we?

It started in the pre-dawn hours with a wake-up call from a little girl whose ear hurt. She tossed and whimpered through the night as I consoled her.

Consequently, my early alarm clock went unnoticed (or unacknowledged, at least) so when my feet finally hit the floor it was go time.

We ate a quick breakfast then I, 6 kids and 2 dogs loaded up for a trip to the veterinarian’s office. I don’t really have the words to describe that trip. Chaos just doesn’t do it justice.

We stopped to get painting supplies on the way home and some of the older kids and I got to work on the kitchen. In hindsight, I probably wouldn’t have chosen to paint the kitchen during the middle of our busy season. But we’ve started now, so I suppose we should finish.

On the way home from the vet’s office one of the dogs did something in the van that required an immediate cleanout, and during family worship, just before bedtime, I threatened to shut the whole thing down if people wouldn’t be quiet.

I still have paint on my hands, and as I think back over the day I’m honestly not sure I completed anything.

Yet as I put my head on my pillow, I’m okay. Which is kind of surprising, because . . .

I REMEMBER WHEN THE END OF EACH DAY BROUGHT AN ONSLAUGHT OF ACCUSATIONS.

I sifted through the day’s activities but saw them all through the lens of what I didn’t accomplish. I shuddered with guilt of what I should have done or could have done, but didn’t. I closed my eyes to feelings of frustration.

But over the years I’ve made a pivotal shift.

I’VE LEARNED TO CONTROL ONE THING. AND THAT ONE THING CONTROLS EVERYTHING ELSE.

When we wake up late, or face an extra-busy day. When kids get sick or surprises throw us a curve ball, it’s easy to shove our Bibles on the nightstand, offer up a quick prayer, then get moving. But, I’ve found, that time with Jesus is the one thing in my life I can always control.

No matter how uncertain or overwhelming life gets, I can control that time. Whatever city I’m in, whatever season I’m in, whatever circumstance I face, I can always spend time with Jesus. He’s always there. He’ll always meet me. And I can always follow His lead.

I love how in Scripture you never find Jesus frazzled. He’s never spewing about how much He has to do or how many people want something from Him. He’s never impatient or pushy when interrupted. It’s like He knew, He’ll get to what He’s suppose to get to, and everything else can wait.

Could we possibly live the same way?

Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].” Colossians 3:2

I believe we can, but only through habitual focus on Jesus and His Word. When we place our focus on earthly things we’ll lose control.

WHEN WE CHOOSE TO CONTROL OUR TIME WITH JESUS, WE CAN WALK EACH DAY IN TUNE WITH GOD’S WILL.

And when we walk in tune with God’s will for our day, we can measure each day based on His provision instead of our performance.

So here I sit with paint on my fingers and a two-toned kitchen, but a smile on my face and a soul at rest. Because I sought, this day, to walk with Jesus and follow Him one moment at a time. If you want to take control of your life, choose to control your time with Jesus. And if you’re wondering where to start, try this . . .

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17