What's in Your Control?

I never thought this would happen to me. I NEVER thought this would be me. Look at me! I'm a mess. How did this happen?

While they were under the influence of a large amount of alcohol, this patient's words rang so sincere and true through the tears. Have you ever looked around at your life and thought How did I get here? or Why Me? Maybe the circumstances were in your control and maybe they weren't. For this patient, they had passed the point of control and the was rock bottom. 

I can't imagine how you feel and I don't know how you got here, but the reality is that you are here and we are here with you. We are here not to judge, but to help you. The fact is that you're here. No matter how you ended up at this point, we cannot change the past. All we can control is how we respond to the situation and our actions from this point on. 

 Tear-stained eyes nodded back at me with a glimmer of hope as I exited the room. My heart truly broke for this patient. I remember times in my life where I felt completely lost and out of control. 

None of us like to be out of control. My mind then went to the election. I struggled to read Facebook because there was so much anger in the words on the screen. The only control we had was our vote. After that, it was out of our control and we are now called to trust. While we cannot control the outcome, we can control how we respond. Let us respond with optimism, grace, hope, and trust.

Life each day is brighter, sweeter, and meaningful if you can find the light and respond with a smile.