One week ago today, a dear friend of mine went in to the hospital. It was not a “life threatening” procedure, but it was of the type where he would not know the outcome until he awoke after the surgery. The surgeon would not know until he was at a certain point into the surgery what he would be called upon to do. So, as I talked with my friend the last time before the surgery, he reminded me how he had to mentally prepare for either of the outcomes. The surgery was a knee replacement, and he would either wake up with a partial knee replacement (he already had one on his other knee), or a full knee replacement. That may not sound too dramatic, but my friend is very active, and also relies on his mobility at his job. This was a MAJOR deal that would change his lifestyle, one way or another.

As I was in bed this morning, thinking about that scenario, and the outcome, and the trust in the surgeon’s decision and skill, I realized that I have never been in quite that situation. So on many levels I can not empathize with the preparation or the response that my friend went through. And yet, on a daily basis, how many times have I walked into a situation, knowing the outcome would be A or B? In my business I deal with that on a nearly daily basis as I present options to my clients. In my walk, as I pray to God about things, I rely on His grace and wisdom to guide me. He has opened doors and closed others. Whether in business or in my walk, though, I usually think that I have some level of influence on the outcome, if even just a teensy weensy bit. How easily can I fool myself into thinking that left to my own devices I make good decisions?

May I remind myself daily that I am not in control. I can prepare myself with thoughtful consideration, prayer and motivation, but I need to give myself over to His outcome in ALL things.

“Contentment comes when we remember that what God chooses is far better than what we choose.”
— Unknown