Read Romans 8: 9-11 as a Family

So many times growing up, I had my own plans. I wanted to cross the street when I wanted to, never wanting to look both ways. I wanted to eat ice cream and burgers everyday. My parents, on the other hand, were much wiser. They would hold my hand when crossing the street. They would drag me away from the ice cream aisle kicking and screaming. When I was little, they looked out for me. Today, I still want to have ice cream and cake all the time, but I've learned that having dessert more than twice a day can be a bad thing. Nowadays, I don't have my parents pulling me away from bad food anymore and making me look before I cross the street, but I do have something else that directs my path. And this something—or Someone—is the Holy Spirit. And I have to trust, every day, that He is leading me in the right direction.

It is hard to let go and trust that someone else may know what is best for us. For so many of us, we want to be in charge and make all the decisions: where we live, how we spend our money, whether to share with our siblings, if we should include that new kid, if and when we should study... However, when we become Christians, we give God control of our lives. We allow the Holy Spirit to come in and impact our thoughts, emotions and actions. No longer do we need to have complete control. We can trust in God and let the Holy Spirit take over and guide our decisions.

- Blake Riboli and Melinda Manus