I led them with cords of human kindness,
with bands of love.
I was to them like those
who lift infants to their cheeks.
I bent down to them and fed them.
—Hosea 11:4
If I had just a little more control, I’d be happier. Sound familiar? How often we blame our misery on a lack of control over our lives. We need to get a handle on our schedules; we need to get more control over our family lives; we need to get healthier so we can have more control over our bodies and, ultimately, how and when we’re going to die. If only we could control that.
But if I had all that control, would God love me any more? Or less?
Whether this day (or my life) is running like clockwork or is out of control, I remain God’s beloved infant, raised to his cheeks and bathed by the warmth of his love and mercy.
Lord, embrace me today and always. I need it.
—Excerpted from A Catholic Woman’s Book of Days by Amy Welborn
Maxwell Smart may find “Control” as the opposite of “Kaos”. Working for the good of the people(?). But, I say, “Not me”. Control is more like the means seen by people living in chaos. In their self-righteous world they wish to bring order. The more individuals seek to set things right the more chaos follows. Individuals feel they have the fundamental right to see, act and speak “Freely”. Problems arise when each individual also sees himself/herself as unique. There’s the rub. On a planet of over 6 billion people this leads to chaos. It is far easier to lead our own lives according to our values and beliefs, and pray to God for the rest.
Maybe if we give over the belief that more control is needed we will discover God in the sacred chaos of life.