It’s been a rough week.
Some things happened this past week that were so beyond my control. I badly wanted to take charge of the unmanageable situations, line them up like obedient soldiers, solve each issue one by one. When it was all over I could feed everyone chicken soup and chunky homemade chocolate chip cookies. I just wanted to make it all better.
Instead, I’ve eaten a few too many Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies and prayed for help. Please God, keep me from interfering where I shouldn’t. I can so justify my reasons for intruding, but at this stage of the game I know better.
Assisting others can be one of my star attributes. It can also be one of my biggest character flaws. When I do for others what they can do for themselves, I am robbing them of their own opportunities to grow or feel their own emotions.
For me, the fine line of distinction with regards to assisting others is my motive. Do I want to ride in on my white horse and save the day? Is my offer to help motivated by my own ego? Or is someone in genuine dire need or danger? Sometimes I need a good friend to help me figure things out.
When I am troubled by events beyond my control, I become a sky watcher. God speaks to me through the sky. And so the past few days, I have taken every advantage to stare at the morning sunrise, the afternoon sun or clouds, and the deep dark sky filled with the stars and full moon of last week. I can be alone for a few minutes and ground myself again to my sense of purpose. That is, I am here to be of service, not to force my will on anyone. And I know deep inside that when I allow my loved ones the opportunity to solve their own problems, I give them (and myself) a great gift.
this hits close to home for me because i love helping others but as you say, sometimes we need to step aside and let people handle their own situations. unless someone is in real danger then with the help of God we can save the day. other than that we should all be able to learn from our own mistakes. another issue is, i like to be in control. but when you have found God and accept him with all your heart you know that God is in control so you just have to let go and leave it in the hands of God. i sound like a broken record every time i say this but when life gets tough and out of our control, we need to pray pray pray. just pray about it. Our prayers may not be answered on “our” time but God always answers them on time.
Lovely response. I like what you said about God being in control. I think that is so true! Thanks, Joanne
Joanne – so sorry to hear of your ruff patch!
God speaks to me thru the river and jumping fish…not even kidding you. I live right next to the river and in the Spring, Summer and Fall – I’m out there in my canoe. And when I ask Him questions and talk to Him, he seems to talk back with jumping fish!
Love the sky watching thing!!
I believe you are not kidding! I see God when I see a deer by itself, just one, which is rare around here. But it does happen. Nature is an extension of Grace, I truly believe that. Love, Joanne