Reality Check

I had a wonderful conservation with a new mentor/friend yesterday. I loved to hear her stories, her insight, her perception of life. I gleaned so much from her. But, the most important thing I retained from the conversation is this:

No one person is ever fully in control of his/her own life. Never.

For as much as I try to control my surroundings, my feelings, or my circumstances, I cannot control the outside forces or the conclusions of any event. It is not that I do not try or fail at what I do. I have learned that sometimes it is best to plan and prepare and just ride that wave.

I cannot control the weather. I cannot control my predestined genetic pattern toward disease or illness. I cannot control my children. I certainly cannot control my husband! Nor can I control the drivers on the road, or the way our country is headed with poor decisions.

However, I can prepare for all these things. I can be watchful for the weather. I can eat healthier and exercise to ward off disease or illness. I can train and nurture my children. I can love and respect my husband. I can drive defensively and cautiously (yes, and maintain the speed limit). I can vote and pray for my country’s leaders that I believe will help further my values and beliefs.

My reality check is nothing more than following the ABCs of life: acknowledge and accept uncertainty; believe and behave according to my core values; and choose to love and live by conviction (and not guilt).

My friend did not plan to have cancer and die. My mother did not plan to have dementia. My family did not plan to change homes twice in the past two years through job loss and bankruptcy. All of my friends and loved ones have had things happen for which they did not plan to have happen to them.

I am confident of one thing through all of this uncertainty. I love God, and God loves you and me. I cling to Him every moment of my life. Always.

One of my favorite worship songs says this:

“Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant in the trial and the change
This one thing remains

Your love never fails
It never gives up
It never runs out on me

Your love

And on and on and on and on it goes
Yes, it overwhelms and satisfies my soul

And I never, ever, 
have to be afraid 

This one thing remains …”