Dear Old Brian,
Sometimes it is a futile exercise to try to be in complete control. I want life to be predictable, but unexpected things happen every week. I put my trust in friends, but they sometimes forget our appointments. I wish that everyone were self-controlled, patient, and kind, but one person will snap at the smallest thing that irritates her and another will raise his voice too quickly.
Sometimes it is a futile exercise to try to be in complete control. I want life to be predictable, but unexpected things happen every week. I put my trust in friends, but they sometimes forget our appointments. I wish that everyone were self-controlled, patient, and kind, but one person will snap at the smallest thing that irritates her and another will raise his voice too quickly.
I know your tendency is to try to regain control, by teaching others how to deal with their irritations, by reminding your friends of upcoming dates, by creating a schedule that covers every possibility by even including "flexi-time".
Perhaps, on the other hand, it would be appropriate to spend more time taking the log out of your own eye. For you yourself have forgotten your fair share of appointments and more; you have grown impatient and ill-mannered with those close to you; and your mood, to any outsider, is as unpredictable as the direction the wind is blowing.
The truth is that we are not all perfect, but we are all under the sovereign love of God. Your friends will make wrong decisions, and you may not be able to stop them. You can only speak as much truth and love as you are able, and then you must entrust them to God and pray that they see differently. You may have a genuine heart for someone else, but currently lack the ears to hear their need. Confess it to God, continue to learn empathy, and trust him to transform you in his love. In the case of others, it is the attitude of your heart that needs prayer for transformation.
In your struggle against sin you must resist to the end, but also remember that sustained growth can take a long time, both in yourself and in others. Let it spur you on in humility and prayer.
With confidence and contentment,
New Brian
New Brian