There’s a lot in this life that seems out of my control. I could easily spend my time in frustration, whining about and bemoaning those things (while making everyone around me miserable)… but instead, I’m trying to take responsibility and ownership of whatever I can control.
- I can’t control who becomes our next president, but I can vote and encourage others to do the same.
- I can’t control what time my kids wake up in the morning (oh, how I’ve tried!), but I can get to bed at a decent time so I’m ready to rock and roll when they are (or something like that).
- I can’t control grocery prices, but I can be more vigilant about my shopping practices and meal preparation to get the best deals and keep our bill as low as possible.
- I can’t control the weather, but I can rearrange my schedule so we can enjoy every possible minute outside before the nasty cold sets in. I can also make the most of our time inside with fun projects for the kids.
- I can’t control the economy (which is too bad for all of us, because let me tell ya… I have a plan!) but I can react to it appropriately and ride the roller coaster. “After all, the only way to get hurt on a roller coaster is to jump off.”
(Got that from Dave.) Check out Dave’s take on the economy. He is so right on! - I can’t control my husband’s teaching income, but I can carefully steward it and stretch it to meet our needs.
- I can’t control everything my daughter is learning (the good, the bad, and the ugly) at school, but I can be an advocate for her education. And… if it’s really an issue, I could homeschool. There are always options more positive than complaining (or doing nothing).
- I can’t control our health insurance costs (don’t get me started), but I can do my best to keep my family healthy by preparing nutrient rich foods, exercising with the kids, making sure we all get enough sleep, and keeping germs at bay.
- I can’t control how busy we are… oh, wait! Sure I can! Ever heard of saying NO?!? (I know, I know, that doesn’t work in every situation, but we are all gifted with the same 24 hours in a day…)
I can’t fix all, cure all, mend all, be all… so I’ll just control what I can control. It works for me.
Another thing that works for me? Small town church cookbooks! Enter my giveaway to win one!
I LOVE this WFMW!! Great reminder that I need to hear EVERYDAY!!
Thanks for this!
This is really, really good. It’s always positive to remember what we can and can’t do….blessings to you as you live loved!
That is great to let go of negative things. Just find a list of positive to replace them with. To make your self happy.
What a great list! I can definitely relate to all of these… .
This is great! It is so easy to get caught up with everything and take a negative attitude toward it all.
And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? Luke 12:22-24
Well said. I can physically FEEL my blood pressure rise if I think too hard on this upcoming election or the “bail-out”, etc. At those times I need to close my eyes, focus on the people right around me, and take comfort in prayer. It is my best coping method… : )
Great list!!
What a great post! I’m going to put a link to it on my blog. I hope that’s okay with you.
Well said Amy. I couldn’t agree more. Some things are out of our hands and those should be left to God, but yep, we should definitely control what we can.
Great word! Oh, that we would all heed them! it would sure cut down on the worry… and lots of other things…
What a practical reminder! Thanks. When I remember to think like this, it sure helps me relax.
I appreciate this so much. Thank you!
Great list! Thanks for the reminders of what really counts in this life.
Love this!! Such a good reminder. I can always use a little perspective…I am a recovering control freak! Ha!