Who's Got The Control?

Boys love video games. My son seems obsessed at times - he rambles on and on about them, strategizing how he can get to the next level. We've learned that the best way to get him to focus and behave is to threaten a day or even a weekend without video games. Sometimes I wonder if he were allowed if he would play all day long!

I know our family is not alone in the struggle to balance between a reasonable dose of video games and other, more wholesome activities. Douglas' friends have the same fixation, and video game crazed sleepovers have become the entertainment of choice for these otherwise normal eight-year-olds.

While I don't share Douglas' fervor for video games, I do demonstrate the same tendencies. Take shopping, for example. If I had the time to shop as much as I'd like, I'd be broke – and my closet would be spilling over with clothes I'd never find time to wear. And let's not even get started with what I'd do if I let my desires for chocolate run rampant!

But the biggest "idol" that I have to fight from bowing to day after day is my desire to always be in control of everything I do. Rather than to relax and let God take care of my needs, I rely on my own will. When things go right, I readily take the credit for my success, but when they go wrong, I shake my fist at God, crying "how can you let this happen – have you forgotten me?"

Much as I try to break this wicked habit, it keeps creeping back, driving me to my knees begging for forgiveness and reminding me that I am nothing more than a poor, sinful being.

My "control demon" often rears its ugly head in my relationship with my son. He is growing, and with that growth comes the normal testing of his boundaries. He is stubborn, which he gets from me, and when you mix an obstinate eight year old with an old, stubborn mother who is constantly trying to control him, it’s a recipe for failure!

What I want to remember - what I try to remind myself, is that Douglas is fearfully and wonderfully made by God himself! I want to praise God for this incredible gift! Instead, just like my son sits for hours with his video games, I try to grab the controller and force the situation to go as I'd wish.

I'm so grateful that God is a patient and forgiving God! Just as he was patient with the Israelites over and over again, He lovingly reminds me again and again that I’m blowing it, and gives me yet another chance to do it right. The Lord remembers us and he will surely bless us! (v.12) With His love, His forgiveness, and His example, I can change into the person He already knows I can be.

With all that we moms have to do every day, it's no wonder we start to think we have to be in control of everything we do. But, thank God he has another plan – and he’s willing to wait as we fight and we struggle until we finally give in to the fact that we aren’t in control. And then, when we mess up again, he forgives us and continues with the plan he’s had all along: For our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes. Oh, that we may let Him work in our lives and accept his blessings each day!

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About the Author

© 2006 Sue Dickinson is a mom, a business woman, and the founder of www.Unlimited Mom.com, a web site and e-newsletter designed to celebrate the many facets of a Mom - including her walk with God. Sue is also the author of the book: "What's a Mom to Do? Overcoming the Urge to Put Your Life on Hold", which can be purchased at unlimitedmom.com

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