In my quest for the right chili peppers for a dish, I came across a selection of Jalapenos. There were options. Some beautiful orange Habaneros were nearby. The challenge was one of control. How predictable would the heat index be? The goal was not to overwhelm the dish. In the end, a select few Jalapenos joined the shopping basket.
The challenge of control has been front and centre in my life. Life whispers are demanding that I take a deep breath and let go of everything that is not within my reach and responsibility. In addition to being sound advice, I find myself reminded of experiential lessons that I would do well to hold onto.
Every moment is an opportunity to embrace the principles and values closest to my heart. Kindness and care are well-defined. My challenge is how I will use them in the moment. With mercy, “God told Moses, ‘I’m in charge of mercy. I’m in charge of compassion,’” (Romans 9.15) so my only question is how I apply it to the moment that I have.
There is a time and place for everything. I find myself acting as if I need to control the moment. Life reminds me that my calling is to work with what is. I am not called to dictate or oversee the larger story. I am called to participate in the story! I get to choose the character I want to play. All the fine points are with me. What follows will tell my storyline as part of the whole.
A priceless gift I can give others is the space, freedom, and support to be fully and authentically themselves. While some of this is automatic, it is on the edges that I find myself challenged. When I let go, releasing myself from any need to control the unfolding storyline I am in, harmony shows up and possibilities come alive. Today is a time of living and participating. If I control anything, it is my choice and decision in the present. My goal is to realise kindness, care, and community.
