Marji Laine

I Love a Good Mystery!

Walking with Control

by 5 Comments

Summer Sunrise in natural Spruce ForestOne of my favorite childhood memories of my daddy was when he would spin me around in the back yard. He’d wrap his arms around me and start whirling around. I’d squeal. Hard to believe I can still remember that!

I think the most fun was when Daddy set me back down. With my head still spinning, I couldn’t walk straight or anything near to straight. I remember the same situation with my dear boy. And he’d get really goofy wobbling around until he finally landed in a helpless heap.

Just to clarify: that’s NOT walking with control. On the contrary, the helpless heap, though funny when a pre-schooler does it, is the likely end to a follower of Christ who isn’t in control.

Think about it. Everything our Lord did had a distinct goal. Nothing surprised Him. Nothing was random. Every behavior and word completely intentional with a big picture in mind. His purpose to show us the character and love of the Father was clearly displayed in His teaching and His actions.

I wish I could be so focused, have such a honed target. But I’m all over the place. Every hat I wear demands a different skill set, time section, creativity, sometimes even its own attitude. Add to that the insecurities, worries, indecisiveness, apathy that flow in an out of my life like tides and it’s no wonder I have trouble following a straight line. No excuses. My lack of control is my weakness.

Clearly, the Lord wants me to be in control. One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. I love the verse above, the one that my main character in Grime Beat has hit her upside the head. “A mallet couldn’t have made a bigger impact!

A sound mind is uncluttered, intentional. My focus on spiritual things should overcast all the activities and chores—my hats—just like a cloudy day. I’m still working on this. No where near accomplished, though once in a while I catch a glimpse of the woman God wants me to be. When something unexpected reveals His Spirit within me. “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12

Your Turn: Do you have the same struggle that I do with

 

Author: Marji Laine

Marji is a recently "graduated" homeschooling mom whose twin girls have blessed her by sticking around the nest for a little longer. She spends her days directing the children’s music program at her church and working with the authors of Write Integrity Press to put out the best possible version of their books. Raised in suburban Dallas, she got her first taste of writing through the stories of brilliant authors of their day, Mignon Eberhart and Phyllis A. Whitney, and through stage experience. After directing and acting in productions for decades, Marji started writing her own scripts. From that early beginning, she delved into creating scintillating suspense with a side of Texas sassy. She invites readers to unravel their inspiration, seeking a deeper knowledge of the Lord’s Great Mystery that invites us all.

5 thoughts on “Walking with Control”

Leave a comment

  1. Joanna Aislinn
    2015/May at 9:43 pm

    I work hard at keeping my house neat; I feel the clutter is a reflection of the inside of my head. Spent some time chatting with someone about this very subject, and how important prioritizing is to keeping one’s focus. Good luck. I need some too.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. jenlhall63
    2015/May at 1:01 pm

    Focus, for me, is a constant–uh–focus. 🙂

    Like

    • Marji Laine
      2015/May at 2:28 pm

      LOL! Me, too. Especially this week. I don’t know what it is, but I’m not concentrating well at all. Maybe too many extraneous details? (But I’m working on the blog post for you right now. Should be able to send it along in a bit!) 🙂

      Like