Have you heard the phrase “This too, shall pass.” When bad or upsetting events occur we are
only too happy to see them move on, go away, and disappear. We are ready for a change. However when everything is going well and we
are happy or even delighted with the status quo, we say, “I hope this never
stops.” “I could go on like this
forever.”
However, we are often reminded “nothing ever stays the same,
change is inevitable.” What goes up must
come down.” This happens whether we want
it to or not—that is the way of our nature.
We are not always in control!
As for me, I am a control freak and an impatient one at
that. You see, when I am in control (or
at least I feel like I am), then I am able to direct the ups and downs. I am
able to ‘massage’ events and people to follow my way. I like it like that! And it happens when and how I want! It feels so good to be the leader of my world
and to rest knowing I have everything under control. I had come to believe it is ALL in my
hands—period—done! (Notice that is in the past tense!)
But what happens when life doesn’t go my way and I feel out
of control and lost—let go from great job, a loved one dies, money is suddenly
very scarce, the kids take on a new role in their life-long play. I haven’t read this play, I don’t like it and
my kids don’t even want me to comment on their performances.
I believe this why people hate change. They work so hard not
to become involved or accepting of new, different, other ways. It is way too
scary. Anything could happen to me (and
it usually does). I ask myself, “Why
should I change? Now what? Everything was going just fine. (Just ask me!) It is
all I need!”
Now being the take control type of person that I am,
patience is not my strong point. In
fact, I pray every day for more patience in whatever I do. It is extremely difficult to go against my
own nature. How does anyone turn their
life over to someone else—let alone God—someone you can’t see, can’t personally
touch, someone that other people say doesn’t exist at all? How do I let God be in control? I know what I
want. I know what needs to be done and I want it now—just ask me.
But you see God has been there from the beginning. As I look
back God has shown this “child”’ that God knows me better than I know
myself. God has watched me and walked
with me through more ups and downs than I can remember. I can imagine God
smiling and shaking God’s head like a good parent as God reviews my life. As a loving parent to their wandering child I
hear God say, “I told you, I showed you. Why didn’t you listen to me? I have always been here when you needed me
and when you didn’t. And I still am.”
As a mother/grandmother, I say to my own little ones (even
if they are 40 yrs. old): “if you ever need me, just call. I’ll pick you up,
I’ll be there. I am the one you can trust above all others. No matter what happens, my love for you won’t
change. If I need to, I’ll help you pick
up the pieces.” I can see God smiling as God says, “Yep, you got it now. I will
always be here as I have always been with you from the beginning. You can count
on me. I’ll help guide you. Be
patient and don’t be frightened or scared.
I am truly in control and I will
provide you with everything you need.” ……………..Karen L. Patton
