The leader of the spiritual growth group I attend told a story.

Once there was an old man who was sitting near a field of cows. A neighbor ran up to him in alarm.

"The enemy is coming! They threaten to steal these cows!"

The old man nodded, calmly.

The next day the neighbor ran up a second time. 

"Good news! The soldiers have beaten back the enemy. The cows are safe."

The old man nodded again.

"Why is it that you were not upset yesterday, and are not relieved today?" the neighbor inquired.

"They are not my cows."

There are things that we mistakenly think belong to us, and it can cause us distress when they are lost. One is what others think of us. I saw it expressed on a bumper sticker. "What other people think of you is none of your business." 

Being attached to what my husband or children will do is like a leash. It yanks me around by the neck. Christmas brings fresh chances for predictions. 

This morning I sent an email to my adult kids offering meal plans for the days we are together. At the same moment my daughter sent one with a different idea. 

But it was not cause for upset. Either meal will be delicious, especially if it is made with love.