Death and taxes...

...the only two things that are certain in life.  This cliche strikes me today because of the devastation in Oklahoma, and because my little town is once again embattled due to an imminent increase in our sales tax.  What strikes me is that both issues are matters of control, a concept that most people struggle with on a daily basis.  I've always had control issues...most women/mommies do.  But what has really come relevant to me this week is that there's only one thing I can control:  my salvation.  That's the only thing God has granted me complete and utter control over.  I can't control the weather and how it might affect my life, I can't control how my government decides to govern, I can't control if our house sells, I can't control my child's eye-rolling!  But what a gift I've been given by God, to be in control of my life, albeit AFTER death.  So I'm choosing to focus on that today, instead of if my city council is going to charge me more to shop for things I don't really need with money that will cease to exist after I go to heaven.  I can guarantee you that the folks in OK would gladly be miffed about a possible tax hike today, instead of scooping rubble off their house, trying to find anything that's a semblance of the life they had just last week.  I can guarantee you that my sweet SIL would be happy to pay a little more on her groceries if only her momma could be with her this week as she brings her first child home from the hospital, instead of mourning that loss each and every day.  And I can guarantee you that God is teaching me big lessons through the events that swirl around me today.  I am so grateful I am not in control...it's exhausting even trying and I know God wants me to REST.