This is the fourth installment in my Eurotrip planning series.
(Here are Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.)

Did I mention that I’m a bit of a control freak?

I’ve never seen a psychiatrist, but I’m pretty sure I suffer from a form of anxiety. This is basically me:

Source: 14 Astonishing Quotes From Mental Disorder Patients

I am terrified of making the wrong decision, even over trivial matters. Whenever I fail at something, I beat myself up and relive every moment of the decision-making process, trying to figure out where I could have done something better. I overthink hypothetical situations, and sabotage myself over them.

So this year instead of succumbing to fear – as I so often do – I decided that 2016 would be the year I faced my fear of failure head-on. And the way to do that was to just take things as they are, and not as I wished them to be.

Part 4: How to Stop Preparing

This adventure has been in the works for almost 25 years now. As I sit at my desk right this moment, 27 hours away from the flight that will take me on the trip I’ve been dreaming of for so long, I find myself praying that I would just stop overthinking, or worrying, and start resting. This is supposed to be a vacation, after all.

So I’ve done my homework, done as much as I could to prepare, but now is the time to relax. Here are my top tips for learning to let go of control, and they come from the only true source of rest.

1. Rejoice, pray, be thankful.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This is a great gift, one that not everyone has the chance to enjoy, so enjoy it, and be thankful!

2. Do not be anxious.

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Matthew 6:31-34

What will happen will happen, whether or not you worry about it. Most of the plans I’ve made will probably work out…and some won’t. And that’s okay. I’ll take each day as it comes. As long as I’ve put my relationship with God at the top of my list, everything else going wrong isn’t a big deal.

3. Do not be afraid.

And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Matthew 8:26

God is always in control. Even in the worst situations. ALWAYS. Nothing surprises Him.

My parents are worried about all the recent attacks in France. My sisters have been sending me concerned messages, asking if I was really going to go, with all the terrible news. I’m praying for protection, and I know that God will be with me. But even if the worst happens, I’m at peace knowing that this world will always just be a temporary place for me before I go home.

4. Be still.

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:1-3, 8-11

Absolute control is an illusion. Just let it be. I find this easier to do when I remember who is at the helm of my life. This is the same God who created the universe, sent Jesus to save me, loves me, and knows me by name.

He’s got this.