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Construction season teaches us how to trust God when when plans go awry
We can’t control life’s twists, delays or health surprises. Letting go, trusting God and embracing each moment can bring patience, peace and freedom.
By Julie A. Ferraro | FāVS News Columnist
The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FāVS News.
Perhaps one of the greatest errors made by human beings across the millennia is thinking we’re in control of absolutely anything.
Many styles of spirituality encourage believers to “let go and let God” or similar sentiments, and, I’m finding, that may be the way to go. As the great Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” (I won’t include it in the original Scottish.)
Case in point: a recent summer picnic where Franciscan Sisters and Sisters of St. Joseph and their friends gathered. Being invited myself, I enjoyed the hot dogs, hamburgers and socializing — it’s always enlightening to listen to these deeply spiritual women discuss current events and their own faith.
Exercise in patience
But, not being fond of driving in the dark, I left in time to drive home before the sun set.
Or, so I thought.
Cruising down the highway well after the evening rush hour, I didn’t expect to be delayed by bridge construction. The first indication of problems were flashing signs warning of lane closures. I always marvel at how some drivers will speed forward in the lane that’s supposed to close, hoping to squeeze in just a little bit ahead of everyone else.
The overall speed quickly dropped from 65 mph to 45, to 25, to zero. The lanes in either direction were backed up for miles for 30 minutes while a beam was hoisted onto the supports overhead.
Aggravating? Yes. An exercise in the virtue of patience? Definitely.
A situation totally out of my control, or anyone else’s in the hundreds of vehicles in front, beside and behind me.
As is my wont, I cranked up my radio and sang along to the playlist of 60s and 70s classic rock.
Fortunately, I did pull into my parking space in the apartment complex before total darkness descended, so I didn’t have to be nervous about navigating country roads with lights glaring in my face.
I wasn’t in control, but things worked out OK.
Examples abound of life events beyond our control
For those who might have been in a real rush to get to their destination, I can imagine how frustrating such delays can be. Too well do I remember driving through Chicago on many occasions, it being necessary to add 30 minutes or an hour to the estimated travel time, just to arrive promptly for any appointment.
These aren’t the only examples of how humans aren’t in control. Any visit to the doctor’s office where unexpected news is forthcoming proves we can’t even control our own bodies. Many holy souls — like St. Benedict — understood this. In Chapter 33 of his Rule, Benedict writes that monks “may not have the free disposal even of their own bodies and wills.”
Humans cannot prevent the sudden onset of appendicitis, kidney or gall stones or cancer. We have no say in whether our thyroid functions properly, or we get arthritis.
There’s no guarantee if we eat healthy we’ll live to a ripe old age, though the actor and comedian George Burns smoked cigars and drank whiskey every day and lived to be 100 years old.
Confronting my lack of control
For me, waking up one quiet December morning with my heart beating half-speed proved that I have no control. The pacemaker implanted in my chest keeps my heart pumping, but I have no idea when that damaged organ will finally stop.
It is an added reason for me to trust, to let go of the need to map out every day — which never works, anyway, like when I ordered a new laptop, received it and started to transfer files, only to discover it was the wrong configuration and had to send it back.
Once we accept this lack of control over life, we can relish each moment all the more and find peace for our souls knowing we don’t have to waste our energy fighting battles we can’t win.
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