Always the “Fixer”

So just a few months ago, I drove my daughter Emily over to Tallahassee and dropped her off to start her freshman year at Florida State. It was hard. It’s already an emotional time, but as we were getting her settled, we realized that she did not pick up her student ID card at orientation. This is the card that allows you not only to access the dorms but also to eat in the dining hall. It was Friday evening and we learned the business office would not be reopened until Monday at 8 am. So Emily, with all the emotions flowing, was just in tears. And I launch in with, “What if you tried this? What if you did that? Do you want me to call? Why don’t you call…?”

She looked at me, and said very kindly, “Stop. Dad, you are always the fixer. I don’t need a fixer. I need a dad…I just need someone to be here with me.”

I should know better. But I do have a tendency to want to fix things, to try to sort things out, to make things right. But the truth is, sometimes, if we rush in to try and fix things, we might actually make things worse.

I wonder if there are areas in your life in which you need to trust that God is already at work.

I certainly struggle with this. Next time, I wonder if, instead of rushing in to fix, to save, to prod, to pull, to cajole, I could simply first listen, show my love and support, and then trust.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, help me ever remember, you are the Savior, not me. Help me know when to act, when to listen, and when to simply trust. Today, I hand you again my worries, anxieties, and burdens. I leave in your hands my children and others who are on my heart. Grant us your peace. Amen.