A friend was describing her tumultuous day. Plans changed faster than the weather in Colorado, and she was worn out from trying to adjust. She felt outnumbered by her children, and their needs. Each scenario involved a cascade of other choices, like timing, and what her family would wear, and which food to pack. Finally she gave up.

 

"Treat me like a toddler!" she told her husband. 

 

He was not as spent as she, and with that invitation stepped in to decision making. 

 

"Get in the car, everybody!" Which the children did. So did my friend. 

 

Amazingly, the events unfolded nicely. They had enough time to settle in, while the kids laughed and gobbled. Even Mom relaxed into being present without the burden of responsibility. 

 

I thought about the story of Solomon. When he was overwhelmed with the task of leading the Children of Israel he prayed this way. 

 

"I am a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart." 1 Kings 3

 

There is a place for taking charge. Certainly I have had my marching orders for the forty years of housing minors under our roof. But there is a moment for letting go of those reins I have so tenaciously held on to. Letting God be God, and me be me. In that sweet spot of relinquishing control, there can flow in the quiet guidance of an understanding heart.