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May 2010
Many of us are caught in a bind. We spend a great deal of our lives trying to control others, our environments, or ourselves. Yet, at every turn we realize most forces that affect our lives remain out of our control.
When we are young our parents or teachers conspire against us–as do our hormones! Then, as we enter mid-life our boss or work often fence us in. The elusive goal of intimacy in relationships or the difficulty of parenting challenges our self-direction. As we get older the unpredictability of our health, financial security, and awareness of our mortality humble us.
So what are our options as we attempt to cope with an onslaught of variables that we know, deep inside, we cannot control? One response is arrogance (I am the captain of my own fate), which leads to foolishness. Another is resignation (I am just a pawn in the game of life and there is no use fighting it), which tends to lead to apathy or despair. A third option is domination (I attempt to make the world do what I want by ruthlessly controlling others and situations), which leads to denial by not allowing myself to see clearly what I am doing. All these options result in occupational and relational stress throughout our daily lives.
If we cannot control much of what happens in life maybe we need to look differently at the life we are living. How we handle life when it happens when it is out of control is a better indicator of who we are. Does a personal faith in God transcend this impasse?
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?...27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?.... 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~ Jesus
Matthew 6: 25-34 (NIV)
In seeking His kingdom we can attach ourselves to what we can control: our prayer life, seeking guidance in the choices we make and a context to understand the world around us.
This focus offers the antidote to the anxiety and false diversions that result from our battle with our illusions of control. Blessings,
Tom Cooper Volume 19 Issue 3
Upcoming Events:
City in Focus Monthly Breakfast: The
next breakfast is on June 4th at the Vancouver Club, The speaker is Sean Millington.
The Annual Wallet Open: Wednesday June 23rd at Country Meadows Golf
Course. Register Today! For more information please call 604-687-7292 or visit www.cityinfocus.ca
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