Many
are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
My dear old Puggle Scooby ran off the other night.
He was outside on our condo’s balcony and saw a bunny. Any rabbit is an immediate
nemesis for Scooby. Professor Moriarty to his Sherlock. The Joker to his
Batman. A meal for his tummy. J
Scooby had to have that bunny so he actually opened
our screen door (it wasn’t closed all the way) and took off. I heard the door
open and close and thought John and Noah had returned from a man-thing they
were doing. But instead, it was Scooby living life off the leash.
I do my best to try to control my dogs. We obey
leash laws and try to keep their barking at a minimum. But Scooby’s heart was
made to chase rabbits. This is a fact. I cannot control this fact.
My life right now is full of circumstances I cannot
control. I try, but I sense God giggling when I do. If only everyone would do
as I do, well, life would be much better. But my husband and son don’t get
this. Can you believe that?? J
My body doesn’t quite register that it needs to do
exactly as I say. My neighbors, friends and even my puppies make decisions
before asking me permission.
The world of recovery and 12 steps has a wonderful
saying – “Live life on life’s terms.”
This simply means stop trying to control everything
and everyone around you. Instead, enjoy what God brings to your door and deal
with difficulties as they come.
To me, a control freak since birth, this is
terrifying. Right now, I am living in a place of trying to desperately control
what will happen in the next two weeks. I have a plan that I think would be
excellent for everyone concerned.
Did you hear that?
God giggled again even as I typed.
The bottom line is this: do I trust God to work it
all out more than I trust myself?
Ouch. Trusting the Father is a moment by moment
decision every day. It is up to me to hand over my worries, my plans and my
expectations to Him because He is El Elyon – the Most High God. The One who is sovereign
and controls everything. EVERYTHING.
Scooby didn’t get the bunny and came back inside,
triumphantly wagging his tail. My silly Puggle reminded me that living life off
the leash is what makes a heart sing. And yet I try to leash up everything
around me. I try to take the Father’s place. It always ends badly.
So today, pray with me this simple prayer: Father, You are in control. Help me embrace
this truth.
As the great Kay Arthur said, “Nothing will happen
today that isn’t first sifted through God’s hands.”
