Who's in Charge Here?

After finishing half of our Financial Peace University classes, my husband and I are learning how to tell our money what to do. For the longest time, it's felt like it's been the other way around.

It dawned on me yesterday that what I really love doing is teaching you how to tell your house what to do. Your house is not in charge, at least it shouldn't be. Your possessions are not in charge, at least they shouldn't be. You are at the helm. If you're being run over by your own stuff, your own schedule, and your children, it's because you've allowed it.

I know, I know . . . that sounded a little harsh. But it is the truth. And I can say it because I just spent three months losing twenty pounds because I allowed the weight gain in the first place. I make trips to the dump and Goodwill weekly because I have allowed possession to take residence in my home when they have overstayed their welcome. And if I'm harried and crazed in the middle of a week, it's because of a lack of planning on my part, or my momentary inability to say "no."

Yes, circumstances can thrust temporary insanity into your life that is entirely out of your control. But you're in charge here. And if you hang tight with God, you know that ultimately He's in charge here. And if you're with Him, you have options available to you that you would not otherwise have for managing stress, circumstances, and lack.

So take a look at your house, your closet, your chilidren, and next week's schedule, then ask yourself: Who's in charge here?


(c) 2011 Sheri Smith Bertolini