Sunday Seven

Sunday Seven

I was recently asked, "What can you control?" My schedule was busy, filled with uncontrollable variables. A lot of them were making me angry. I've been reflecting on the answers, which I want to share with you today. 

1 • How much I expose myself to Scripture reading. Yesterday at church, I was reminded that Scripture shapes both my opinions and prayers. The reading and study of Scripture are empirical in my life, no matter how busy my week may be. 

2 •  When faced with toxic, negative comments and complaints, I can control my response. The person wants a reaction, but I believe that a response is something I can control. The best way to provide a Biblical response is to be sure that my attitude lines up with what I read. 

3 • Toxic and negative complaints are part of what I do. Over the years, I learned to set up and maintain great boundaries. I turn off comments and notifications. I go outside and enjoy nature. I even passed the torch to another coworker who would read each complaint and only notify me of something truly important. These and other steps, which I can control, allowed me to keep my joy and peace. 

4 • "The excellence of my job" was the first answer that came to my mind. I can't control variables. I can't control what other people think of me, how they react to me, and how mean they are to me. What I can control is how I rely on excellence as I work. I decided that I do my work unto the Lord because I serve Him. Excellence is costly yet worth the price of the peace it brings. 

5 • I can control how much I exercise. I can control how many hours of sleep I get at night. I can control how many servings of vegetables I eat during busy weeks. I decided that I could mindlessly browse the internet or I can be proactive about my health. It was within my control to buy a bag of spinach and a case of strawberries, so I did just that. I felt much better, although I was tired at the end of the week.

6 • I can control my response and heart attitude toward people who manage insecurities in public. I often tell myself, "Cintia, you don't deal with public insecurity, and you do not have to have the same attitude as this dear person." Then, I stand in my confidence. Standing in my confidence has saved me from drowning in the insecurity of others. I do not believe that embracing someone else's insecurity is the same as loving them. Oftentimes, people do not want to let go of their insecurity. I can't convince them otherwise. I can pray and I can stand in my confidence. 

7 • It may seem counterproductive, but I can control how much I think and do for others during a busy week. When God clearly puts someone in my mind and heart, I go to action. I write a note or I give a small token. I can control how much good I show to others. I discussed with my kids this weekend that it is more blessed to give than to receive. We all shared how much joy giving brings to our hearts. We prayed that God would allow us to be more alert of those around us who need to be uplifted. Uplifting someone is completely within my control. 

How about you? What can you control?