I am not in control

By Beryl Baterina

 

 

 

 

The Eve of the Deluge by John Martin (Wikimedia Commons)

 

 

 

"So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, it is a sin."

 

The passage from the letter of Saint James tells us that it is not correct to state our future doings making it like we are in control of what will happen to us.  It shows arrogance and depicts evil.  Knowing that it is evil and still doing it makes us sinners.

 

We all started from zero when we were born.  We knew nothing and we were educated through family, friends, schools, and other experiences.  When we were younger, adults decided for our well-being.  As we grow older, we begin to learn to decide for ourselves.  We are able to choose things which we think are good for us.   We have this "to do" list for our lives.  We have lots of plans for our future.  But do we include God in it?  

 

Sometimes (or most of the time) we neglect to remember that there is God who has control to what can happen to us.  When we want to do something in the future, like go shopping, we must say, "We will go shopping on Friday, God willing."  It is a sign that we acknowledge our God and not rely on our own as if we are already sure that we will go shopping on Friday.  

 

 

Continue reading at Beryl's blog Beryl Baterina: Daily Dose.

Why I don't have a bucket list

By Lara

 

The Journal Entry by Muller (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

My son asked me the other night if I had a bucket list. This struck me as funny at first.

After all, he’s eight– what the heck does he know about bucket lists?  I am 40 and don’t think that much about them.  Of course, I saw the movie and understand the expression, but I can’t say I ever bothered to make one.

Partly because when I make grocery lists, I inevitably leave them on the kitchen counter and when I get home I find they are only useful for checking off the items I forgot to buy at the store. I am not sure what happens if you lose your bucket list. Do you forget what’s so important for you to see or do, the way I forget to buy Q-tips?

I am not that girl anyway.  I don’t have extravagant plans.  No desires to bungee jump, or go on safari, or make millions of dollars.  I realize that makes me kind of a bore.  But I’m afraid of heights, hate getting bit by mosquitos and presume I would also hate getting bitten by an African hyena.  As far as millions of dollars, 
I’m more neutral about the idea.  Still, that much money seems complicated, and the pursuit of it more so.

Why would I include complicated on my list?

My son’s question seemed random, but then I thought about the last few days.  My husband and I enjoyed a nice beach getaway and spent much of our conversation reflecting on our lives. Maybe if we had a bucket list we would have been looking forward, but instead, we talked a lot about how content we are right now.


Conitnue reading at Lara's blog Mercy Me! I've got work to do.