This is something that I often forget when the heat is on.

I feel like I need to step in and take control of the “wall” I’ve just hit. I think that by wagging my boney finger in that walls face, it will move or, better yet, bow to my commanding voice!

I think that I’m showing the wall who’s the boss! I’m convincing the wall of my superior logic or dazzling it with my lightening speed and clever comebacks. I’m expecting that the wall will crumble at my feet or cower in the corner—but instead the wall looms ever bigger as I hit it even harder.

The problem is, when I try to control the wall, I’ve already lost the battle. The only thing I’m convincing the wall of, is that I’m reckless with my words, my emotions and, simply put, out of control.

What I need to remember when I feel up against the wall, is that controlling the wall is NOT my only option.

I need to remember that I have a choice to turn a chaotic, out of control situation into one that is yielded—in control—because I can yield myself to God who is always in control.

Christ wants me to intentionally choose to surrender to His power, so that He can bring His grace, peace and redemptive touch to the chaotic situation.

What does that look like, you say?

It looks like …

• A humble admission of my failure.
• A whispered prayer rather than a word spoken in anger.
• A focus on what I can control, instead of trying to control what I can’t.
• A willingness to examine myself, rather than examine my offender’s actions.
• An offer of forgiveness, even if my offender never admits his or her wrong.
• A gentle, loving example that perseveres through this unfair moment—shouldering the wrong, even absorbing the wrong—because that’s what Christ would do.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” –Romans 12:21 (NIV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” –Galatians 5:22 (NIV)

photo credit by Steve Snodgrass

Joining with NOBH, Works for Me Wednesday, and To Love Honor and Vacuum

WW rules:

1. Write in any way you feel inspired about marriage, parenthood or anything that reflects Christ’s redemption in your life.
2. Be sure to include a link to Wedded Wednesday or add the WW button to your current blog post and/or sidebar.
3. Visit and comment on at least one other person’s blog that’s linked up here.

Optional but encouraged:

• Consider setting up your Gravatar profile and Disqus Profile with a link to your blog … it makes it so much easier for all of us to find those of you who blog!
• If you have the time, visit those who visit your blog and comment at their place as well … sort of a “Say it forward.”