Is all uinder control?

A government response to flooding in the UK

I always say that control is not one of my strengths.  I am no good at control and neither believe that it works nor that should it be pursued.  I can't control anyone, even myself.  So why try?  I faced this during my week in two quarters. 

One was at my workplace at Caritas Thailand where I am named as the Director of the National Catholic Commission on Migration (NCCM).  Actually, my title is Executive Director.  Wuaint!  I can't bring myself to use the first word of that title as it sounds too hierarchical.  So I just say that I am the Director.  Am I?  I ask that seriously and in a healthy way as I am aware what goes on amongst the troops, for you never really know what is going on around you and what the true agenda is at hand.  This week, there was a huge issue for me that I had to face.  It was an issue that I would name as a betrayal of trust by one of the staff.  It was a serious issue that needed to be resolved.  As the meeting to deal with this of the program management team began, I very clearly shared two words in Thai, stating that this was not about my trying to control others or operations but to manage for the sake of good order and proper process.  As we went through our discussion on the program's management, I discovered that some of the staff had already met and decided matters but never told anyone else.  This lack of communication and thinking that they could operate independently of the rest of the wider team was crucial in creating upset and misunderstanding but those involved could not see this and only acted surprised and hurt when I told them this was not good practice in management. 

The other was on the streets of Bangkok.  These protests continue.  They seem to be going nowhere with the country in a political stalemate or lockdown.  Is this really about the struggle for democracy and stopping corruption or is it the struggle for power by vested interests who are very wealthy and powerful, overcome by their own self-interests?  The reality is that, despite all, life goes on.  Bangkok keeps moving and breathing every day.  You just go around the protest sites.  What they do achieve is traffic chaos and a life that is a little bit more of a struggle as you try to manage a more difficult Bangkok as you try to get around.  You do get to where you want.  It just may take a little longer

There's that word again.  I can't control my Bangkok but I can mange it in some way.  I can't control my workplace and its chaos but I can aim to manage it and work for order.  For me, this reflects the reality of my life.  I can't control it.  I am not in charge. Someone else is - God.  I can't forget that.  I am part of a huge jigsaw called life which can all change in 24 hours.  I can't control it but I can mange it.  As I say more and more these days, I just do what I can with what I've got.  I can't do anymore than that.