Sometimes one needs to be very honest. Yes, I know everyone makes mistakes, some more than others and some much bigger mistakes. One of mine is that I sometimes lose it. 

It just happens. One moment I’m still talking normally, completely levelheaded, only to slowly lower my head a few seconds later knowing now I’ve lost it. I’ve lost control and allowed something else to take over. 

Things slip out of my mouth that I’m not used to saying at all. I don’t even know the meaning of some, but it came out of my mouth. And I can see the impact it has on the one hearing it. 

Why does this happen? This is not an excuse, but I suspect emotions have something to do with it. It feels like something pushes up from down below – a hot flush hits you, and then the fat is in the fire. 

I know many people struggle with this. Some struggle with it in traffic and shout unheard threats to fellow road users. Some lose it in the office because the employee is so … or the boss has again … 

Where people are involved, there is a chance you could lose your cool. It takes a lot of energy to resist it. Destruction follows when one is out of control and loses control of the situation. 

Of course, one also loses control in many other places. When one plays on the devil’s stoep, the chance of slipping, sliding and losing control is so easy. Before you know it, you’re lying on your back on the smooth tiles. Sometimes with a serious injury. 

There are many places where we must keep from losing control. Some struggle with what they eat or drink. Some struggle with what they allow their eyes to look at. Some struggle with what they allow themselves to touch, and some struggle with where they go. 

Coach Peter knew we would struggle with this one. He knew that we would not always be in control of our sticks. That’s why he proposed the following: 6-7 … complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. 

Maybe we should just say it to each other straight: it’s always a struggle. Our wheel alignment is out and we’re pulling in the wrong direction. We tend towards the side of out of control and must resist this. We need to get plans in place to not allow the wrong things we want so much to be part of our makeup. 

We must put down a stake and draw a line and try with everything in us not to give in to these desires, and hand over the sticks to something or someone else. If you’re not strong enough to hold the sticks yourself and slip now and then, tell someone else about your problem and ask them to help you, so you can stay in control. 

Also, admit this to the Lord and ask that the Holy Spirit also help you, because on your own you slip too easily. May you remain more and more in control and be a beacon to others of how self-control can take over. 

Scripture
2 Peter 1:3-15  

Reflection
Where do you lose control?
How can you regain control?
Who can help you? 

Prayer
Father, I lose control. I know it leads to destruction, not only in my life, but for others as well. Please help me! Amen.