PERSONAL GRACE.

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. – Proverbs 19:21

Control is something I have learned to give up over the last few years. It has always been very difficult for me to relinquish control no matter what the task may be. I am a military spouse and a mother of three children. When my husband is away, it is my responsibility to ensure our children and our home are cared for just as they are when he is home. It pains me when the clean laundry begins to pile up in front of the dryer, when dishes remain in the sink, when the cupboard needs to tidied, and so forth. 

I worry about our children. I worry about my husband and I pray for his safe return. And oh, how I wish I could control his schedule! How wonderful it would be to know he could be with us for every holiday, birthday, anniversary, and all the other celebratory days in between? What an amazing thought that is! 

The truth is, control is a necessary evil. Control allows for calm in a world of chaos but, it can be crippling to our mental and emotional wellness. I was suffocating beneath the heavy weight of always having to be in control and that's when I knew it was time to start letting go. 

I've learned to pick and choose and find balance. Most importantly, I've learned to give myself grace. To put it bluntly, I've learned to give myself a break. Letting go has provided a healthy clarity and healthy boundaries. It's such an awesome feeling of confidence I didn't have before! 

Continuing to maintain boundaries, both inside and outside of our home, and recognizing my limits are two of my top priorities in the new year. Women, mothers, ladies:  we are so strong and so capable, but we need to give ourselves a break. We need to allow for grace.

Take care of each others, sweethearts. 

Emily