Taking Control

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. - Matthew 10:16

This post is about me, but I think that it will probably be beneficial for many people to reflect upon, despite my lack of specifics.

For my entire life, I have always enjoyed making people happy. Receiving accolades and praise from my peers (people in my generation and older) is a minimum requirement for me. I honestly believed that I had finally gotten over this, especially after I had kids. But I have recently discovered that more than ever, I have a strong desire for approval from my peers in certain situations in my life. Just like anyone else who needs positive affirmation, there is usually a motivating factor that incites this need. Lately, the source of inspiration has been obtaining more for my family.

Well, I can mark today as the day that I decided to take back control of my life. Now, here's where I start getting a little vague. This is only because I don't want to get into specifics about the particular area of my life that I'm taking control of. According to my site meter records, quite a few people read this blog! :-) But, I will say this in an effort to help someone else in a similar situation as myself: If you find that someone in your life is actively controlling the outcome of situations tat involve you, it's time to relinquish their control RIGHT NOW! You may think that they are great people or have your best interests at heart. But if you are in a cyclical, never-ending rut in any aspect of your life due to a particular person or persons, it is time to take control back. Yes, I am a Christian, and should display a meek, loving personality around others. But I've never seen anything in the word of God that said that I was supposed to be completely stupid and let someone else indirectly make decisions that affect the outcome of my life. If you think this may be happening to you, I would suggest that you pray for wisdom and guidance about it, and see how and where the Lord leads you in handling this.

It's time for me to start getting ready for tomorrow, so this day is basically done. But starting tomorrow as soon as I wake up from peaceful slumber (God-willing), I plan to be the proud new owner of areas of my life that were formerly in irresponsible, selfish hands. I'm looking forward to getting those back, finally. We'll see how things turn out over the course of time.