I ChooseSample

I Choose Surrender Over Control (Part 1)

Surrender: to yield (something) to the possession or power of another
Control: to exercise restraint or direction over; dominate; command

I am a control freak. I stress out when things seem out of my control. The biggest area I struggle with is controlling my children. I have an opinion about each and every area of their lives, and I hold on tightly to how I think things should be done. Like control does, it has created tension in our home.

Our oldest son just hit 16, and it’s been a tangible transition. He’s driving and just started his first job. I made a conscious and difficult decision to release my grip on this process. Guess what happened. He walked into his interview and got hired on the spot. If I had chosen control instead, my son may have gotten the job, but would he feel the sense of accomplishment of having done it on his own? Instead, I chose surrender. Like surrender does, it’s bringing freedom for me and for my son.

Now, I continue giving God my fears, hopes, and thoughts, and I keep feeling the burden of control leave my shoulders. He kindly reassures me that He has a plan for my children, and l need to trust Him. He wants us to let go of control, and surrender to His authority and His plan. I’m so glad I did.

Pray: Holy Spirit, over the next few days, will You show me what I’m trying to grip in my hands and control on my own? Will You help me to rely on God’s peace and power instead?

Christi Donaldson, Life.Church staff spouse and mom to four