WEATHER TEACHES US ABOUT LACK OF CONTROL IN OUR LIVES

After the snow melts, comes the rain and all the weather that accompany it. Our region is still cleaning up from the Ice Storm of December 2013. Many woodlots with the snow melted reveal the enormity of the damage. As we listen to bad reports from the Southern United States, there is a reminder that thunderstorms and even tornadoes are on the horizon. As technological savvy as we are, weather or is it really Mother Nature that can influence our lives. It brings me to the point of being in control. How much control do we really have over our lives? Yes we can pay the bills, eat well, exercise and put activities in our lives that have meaning but there are so many things beyond our control. We could go a little crazy if we thought about all of them. Take our health-our body parts could be ticking time bombs! We can't control the weather or many other things in our lives. So what is control? Is it learning to live with what we have and being optimistic about the future? Is it accepting that we have some faith? Living and doing are control. Foraging ahead is control. Trying to eliminate some challenges. If you check the oil in your car, the oil light will not come on. It does not mean your car may never have a difficulty but trying to get good maintenance for it will surely help. Paying attention to your body's rhythms will help with your health. Old age can not be overcome but approaching it with exercise, regular checkups, and well balanced eating does help. Besides it is better to be over the hill then under it! Slowing down and doing activities safely. Do you really need to clean your own leaves from the eves troughs with an extension ladder? Would it be time to hire someone or at least do it with a partner spotting you? We can try to be prepared for life's emergencies like having batteries, water supply and insurance. We can not fend off all that life presents but can find ways to cope. Anticipating changes and embracing them with the tasks and activities that are manageable and well  in your control.  Books have been written with the theme- taking control of your life! Control-what does it mean to you?