Are You a Control Freak?

In some ways I am, but not as bad as Monica from Friends or Julia from Parenthood.

I like my days mentally planned out, especially the weekends.
I like my Christmas shopping to be nearly finished by the start of Advent.
You get the idea.

Reading this on Facebook:
"...conversion would not have been possible without absolute trust in Him and the recognition that I had to give up control and experience the death of my old self." Randy Hain writes on the ongoing need to surrender to God's will. What are the obstacles? Does out need to be in control get in the way?"
(you can read the post in its entirety here)

Ding!Ding! It's not a fun thing to think about, those parts of ourselves we need to accept the mental death of. You know what's inside of you that's in need of going away. I know what I struggle with. I want more for me & my family, even though our needs are met. I see others succeeding, and immediately wonder why God is ignoring that prayer of ours.

Is that how HE wants me to think and feel? I certainly do not think so. That way of thinking needs to die, surrender to God's will, and grow into a more Christ-like way of thinking. Is it possible while on earth? I don't know, but I know we must try.

My inner control-freak wants to know who-what-when-where-how-and why, right away. I would happily look at my life's road map of the future, if given the chance.
I pray, and I want to immediately know if and how and when that prayer will be answered.

We are called to die to ourselves, putting to rest those bad habits or sinful ways we have within us. It will always be something that we struggle with, as is human nature. But to try, truly try, is rising above and using courage to follow HIS plan.

What a perfect thing to focus on during Advent. Christ's birth, and a new birth within us.
"Laboring" isn't easy, but the end result makes it worth it.