Life is full of never-ending obstacles, and often when we go through these ups and downs, we tend to feel out of control.
I for one, know that I like the feeling of having control over my life. I like planning, organizing, and although I hate to admit it, sometimes micromanaging. I mean, I’d be lying if I said I never noticed that this very characteristic can be my downfall as I watch my life play out and things do not go the way I intended them to.
But, even though I watch myself do this time and time again, the funny part is that I ironically find myself grateful they did not work out in the end.
If I could count the number of times I was surprised by the unexpected outcomes in my life, I’m pretty sure I’d be rich and living in my dream house, and yet although I realize that life is a journey full of surprises and obstacles beyond our control, I still have this annoying Type A personality approach that pokes through every chance it gets.
When I finally came to terms with this specific personality trait, I knew I would have to do something that would help me take a step back and enjoy this thing called life, and once again, knowing me, I thought it would be easy (clearly I fooled myself once again).
So, while I was trying to figure out a way to take that step back I tried A LOT of different things. The first thing I tried, was organizing more because I figured the more you organize the easier it will be to let go of the control of all the other things you want to organize (DEAD WRONG).
Next, I tried forcing myself to go out of my comfort zone, which I will admit helped a little bit as it taught me how to go with the flow more and release that need to know what was going on at all times. But, the thing that helped the most was when I decided to let go and let God.
“Letting go and letting God,” if you are a Christian, is a phrase you have probably heard of growing up or seen as a quote on social media or on interior home pieces. But, if you have never heard of this phrase or never even decided to try and apply it to your life, let me be the first to tell you it will be the most freeing, liberating and probably one of the scariest things you will do in your life.
Although commonly confused, letting go of that control and allowing God to take over isn’t just about losing control in your life and just trusting God. While that is the main concept, the whole point is to let go of your worries and the things that weigh you down by casting them onto the Lord.
I always thought such a thing was impossible, but when you take your stress about school, family, finances, etc., and for just a moment allow the worry to fade, you feel like a completely new person.
Because of this little technique and perspective change, I’ve learned to not let my daily stresses and worries control me. I’ve learned to only worry about the little things I can control, like how I choose to respond to certain situations and meanwhile, to leave the rest up to the big guy. Afterall, he has a plan for all of us and all we need to do is let go just a little bit and enjoy the ride.
