No Control

This year ...
As we say here in the south, "with all that's been going on." Well. If you're anything like I am, your calendar has had quite a few things marked through, erased, moved, and moved again. Perhaps your vacation was cancelled. Or a visit to see family. Or a graduation or wedding or reunion. Camps and Vacation Bible Schools and Conferences are all saying "See you next year" or going virtual. No. This year is nothing like any of us planned.

This last week, almost halfway into May, we had two frosty nights here in Tennessee. This isn't normal. As for the last few years, I had already planted my garden. I had green beans, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and sunflowers coming up already. Needless to say, I dug out some sheets and blankets, and we tucked things in as well as we could. But my green beans are looking a little wilted and droopy now. I might have to replant a few.
And I am reminded again and again of how little control I have. Over anything.
There was nothing I could do to completely protect my fragile baby plants. There was nothing I could do to ensure my daughter got to finish out her last few months of preschool. Or to keep us all together in normal circumstances for anything the last two months. I'd even love to be able to go to the store and know I could find EVERYTHING on my list. But that's a rarity anymore, too.
Of course, then I also think about how I never have control over ... well, anything. It's just more noticeable right now. 
However, even in the midst of chaos, we know the one who is in control.
Psalm 46 is a beautiful reminder.

1. God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
    how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
And one more verse, another great reminder. Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

And no matter what happens, I can trust in that. Have you lost control lately? Remember the one who holds us in His hands. He's still there.