Guest post by Betel Arnold
There are days when I’d really like to have a remote control for my life. It would be so convenient if I could pause, rewind, or just plain turn off the drama, because when I find myself in a situation where I don’t have control… well… let’s just say that things might get away from me. I had a day like that last week.
Billy is my special child. He’s 15 years old now, nonverbal and in a wheelchair. Like my other children, he started school last week. When the school bus dropped him off after his third day of school, as soon as the attendant rolled his wheelchair off the ramp—I saw it. A huge burn on his arm!
“What happened!” I screamed (and I do mean screamed). “What did you do to my son?” At that moment, I was so angry I couldn’t stop the words from escaping my mouth—and they kept escaping. I didn’t care who heard me. I never even stopped to think about it. My child had been hurt.
I was so distraught after that incident. I couldn’t change what happened. No trusty remote control to start the day over and save Billy from the burn. No button to rewind the event to a point where I could keep my cool and calmly ask what happened.
After a few days of investigation and a livid mommy on the loose—the culprit was discovered. One of the wheelchair straps that secures my son had loosened. As he rocked back and forth, it created the burn. I was relieved to realize that it was an accident, but it didn’t alleviate the stress I felt this morning watching my son get on the school bus.
Fortunately, I found some help. I remembered who’s really in control. I can pretend I am, try to convince myself I am, but then something happens to remind me that I’m not. God is in control. And the truth is I totally trust God who sees the beginning from the end. A God whose eyes are everywhere keeping watch on the good and the bad. (Proverbs 15:3) A God who says that ALL things work together for the good of them that love Him. (Romans 8:28) Furthermore, Romans 10:11 reminds me that if I believe in Him, I will never be put to shame…
I’m still not happy with what happened, but I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves me even when I’m not at my best. I’m also grateful to know that with my Heavenly Father around, I don’t need a remote control.
About the Author
Betel Arnold is founder of Courage Under Fire Coaching and co-creator of Simply Talking, a local TV show that addresses issues from daily life as well as the deeper questions brought about by personal tragedies. Betel co-produces and co-hosts the show while working as an inspirational speaker. She is especially committed to helping women become all that God has called them to be.
Betel is the proud mother of four children, a stepmom, and resides with her loving husband in Western Mass. For more information about her and her book, Buried Beneath the Words, go to: www.betelarnold.com
