It was a stressful, emotional time for everyone.  My best friend had just given birth to her first child and, thus, was dealing with postpartum blues.  At one point during my visit to meet her daughter, I recall both her and the baby crying simultaneously.  As my friend cried harder, so did the infant.

Finally, I instructed Carrie, “Hand me Sarah.”  She placed Sarah into my arms, and the infant quieted almost immediately.

Then, with us all sitting on the couch, I turned to Carrie, “Now, tell me what’s going on.”  At that moment, both mother and baby were receiving the necessary support, which, in turn, were calming their emotional stresses.

We face many challenging scenarios on a regular basis.  Instead of letting the difficult situations control us, we need to control them to our best ability.  For when we conquer the hurdles before us, they are no longer in charge.  The Chinese proverb best summarizes this by stating, “You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.”

God, we ask that You guide us in regaining control over various dilemmas we face by granting each of us the wisdom and discernment through the process.  In Your name I pray, Amen.