My family has a nickname for me – Monica – like Monica Geller. I’m a planner, an organizer, and I definitely like to be in control of certain things. Who doesn’t, right?

The older I get and the more books I read, I learned that is not always the best approach in life.

Like many, I like to “map out” my day. I like to be as prepared as possible, but the best thing that I can be prepared for is whatever comes my way.

Each morning, I read two books – Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday. I would label both as daily devotionals/self-help books. Some days, their messages aligned and I had to share something with you guys about it.

“You would like to see a map, showing you all the twists and turns of your journey. You’d feel more prepared if you could visualize what is on the road ahead.” – God (from Jesus Calling).

How many of you are nodding your heads in agreement right now?

Wouldn’t that make for a boring day? If you knew EVERYTHING that was going to happen at the EXACT moment it was supposed to happen? I go back and forth on this one. Giving up control is HARD! Like many, I get frustrated when an obstacle gets in the way of what I had planned (depending on the obstacle).

Here’s what I learned from these two readings today:

• The only thing I truly possess is my ability to make choices (and a college degree, something a former boss told me no one could ever take away from me). I must remind myself what’s in my control and what’s not, and focus on the former and not the latter. – The Daily Stoic
• I only have vague ideas about what the day will bring, and if I want to be better prepared for whatever I will encounter today, I must spend quality time with Him. – Jesus Calling
• Sleep is a form of surrendering, so we must trust this process of change and serenity so we can start it all over again tomorrow. – The Daily Stoic
• Inviting God to be present throughout my day is the best road map available. – Jesus Calling

Take a deep breath. That’s what I just did.

Not having control of every little thing isn’t going to kill me. I may not like it, and I may express my frustrations along the way, but no branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. – John 15:4.

What control do you need to give up today?

Aunt Bubba