I never realised I was such a control freak until I had my kids. I had always viewed myself as a ‘go with the flow’, easy going type of person. I would make loose plans but enjoy the freedom to be open and carefree. Adult life changes this to some degree, with work commitments and relationships.
However, since having my children the level of me wanting to control things has really stepped up a notch. For example, outings are scheduled between nap times, dinner is roughly at the same time to ensure no one gets over tired and all are in bed at a decent hour and activities are carefully thought and planned out because, let’s be honest, the energy and effort involved in just getting there better be worth it!
And now with my boy starting kindy this year I have wanted to control who he becomes friends with (out of love and wanting to protect him of course!).
I understand there is a balance that needs to be found in parenting, but I have also felt the quiet whisper speak ‘let go and let God’. This is not just relating to one aspect of my life but to all areas. I believe we are not to be constantly fighting an uphill battle. To let go, to surrender and to step into His Flow.
His Flow
God has been teaching me about being in His Flow. Of not battling against my current situation, of not always looking at what’s ahead, or dwelling on what’s behind me. Of accepting where the day takes me, whether this seems to be on track or ‘off-course’ (particularly if it seems off course!) And of surrendering my will and carefully thought out plans to Him.
This can be difficult to do but God wants us to trust Him and not lean on our own understanding (Proverbs chapter three verse five), to believe that He will work all things together for good (Romans chapter eight verse 28), to not be afraid of what may be ahead (Deuteronomy chapter 31 verse eight) and to be content and enjoy life’s journey (Philippians chapter four verses 12-13).
These conversations with God has resulted in a creative writing piece below.
'Surrender' by Jo Fuller
Accept and embrace life’s current.
Drift delicately over the waves and enjoy the quiet waters.
Breathe deeply through the turbulent times, knowing this too shall pass.
When we try and fight against the current, everything is a struggle.
Even the joyful times can be missed.
But when we embrace life’s current, each present moment is truly felt.
When we float and rise and fall with the waves, even rough waters become less threatening.
But if we are constantly fighting against the current, we quickly run out of breath and face drowning.
Rather we must let go, look above and fix our thoughts on our Maker.
Then we can ride the storm and know there are calmer waters ahead.
Not dwelling on the past storms ensures we can enjoy the calm and be filled with hope and joy with what lays ahead; whether still or storm.
When we embrace the current, rest and refreshment can be found in the waters.
You find your rhythm, your flow and life becomes a beautiful, breathtaking adventure with our Creator.
Jo Fuller is currently finding her rhythm in life. Loving and learning more about Christ, loving and learning more in her role as wife and mumma and loving and learning more about prose. Jo has degrees in education and journalism and lives on the beautiful Sunshine Coast with her husband, young son and baby daughter.
Jo Fuller’s previous articles may be viewed at
https://www.presserviceinternational.org/jo-fuller.html
Jo Fuller lives on the beautiful Sunshine Coast with her husband, son and daughter. Jo is a teacher with an education in journalism and early childhood who loves to spend time with her family and enjoys reading and writing whenever she can.