Are You a Control Freak?

That was our discussion at Life Group last night. After hearing a most compelling message on Sunday about "surrendering our need to control", it seemed all of us, in one way or the other, realized we just might have some "control" issues. I didn't think of myself as being a controller until the example was used of "having to have the bath towels folded in a certain way". Oh me! That's me. I get a little frustrated when I see someone folding towels with the tag up and the ends are all different on every towel. I told the girls "I heard that message and remembered how, at James Mission, when we were sorting and folding clothes, I would go behind the other girls and refold what they had already folded. What in the world? Who knew? But after hearing that message, I was pegged as a "controller"!

Maybe you are a "control freak" or least live with one? Maybe it's better to say "have control issues". You know -- the one that MUST be in charge of the remote control. Or the one that is telling the driver how to drive and where to turn and how fast to go. Or how about the helicopter parents (the overprotective parents) that hover over every move of their kids. That's considered a "control freak". Pastor Craig admitted to being a control freak too. He said there are days that the fingerprints on their back windows and doors really freak him out, because he wants that beautiful view of his backyard. But, he came to realize that the day would soon come when all the kids have left home and on their own, that he'd long to see those little fingerprints again. I wanted to whisper in his ear...."Oh, you will -- when the grandkids show up!"

Bottom line.....it's time to let go of having to control. It's time to choose "surrender" over "control". Submitting instead of controlling. I think God's Word says it best in Proverbs 3:5-6 (my favorite verse -- and one I need to practice more and more) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways, SUBMIT to Him, and He will make your paths straight."

May God help us loosen our grip on control. May we surrender all to He Who knows best, guides best, and guides best.