I am a Fixer. I am just beginning to truly understand this part of me. I am also beginning to realize that this is a blessing, which as with all blessings can become a curse. That part is up to me.
As a Fixer I see the world in a certain way. Everything is a problem, and everything that is seemingly bad is highlighted, while the good things are kind of dull and shaded.
The thing that I have noticed about being a Fixer is that it is easy for me to see the problem, and usually easy to find the answer that works for me.
However, the weakness of being a Fixer is that it makes me very short-sighted. Since I am usually only looking for the fix to the problem, I very seldom take into consideration all the pieces. I for sure struggle to take the people parts into the equation. Things like feelings, and listening to how the problem is really affecting people, I also struggle with the patience to allow each person to work out their own problems.
One of the biggest problems that I create, as a Fixer, is that I don’t allow others to learn how to take care of their own problems. Instead, I end up taking on all of the problems around me. I am trying to fix every problem… All the way from the world, to the Church to everyone around me.
Ultimately, this is draining. The constant desire for fixing, of seeing problems and of carrying burdens that are not mine, leaves me tired—even exhausted. I don’t sleep well at night, and I grind my teeth as I work out all the problems that I have taken on from that day, and the one’s that I have carried over from the days before.
This leads to times of depression and the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Duh… When I am trying to do God’s job what else would it bring.lol
Here is the problem. As I said this is a blessing and a curse. That is all up to me and how I handle the gift that God has given me.
I am gifted at seeing and solving problems. However, that gift is not my gift, but instead is a gift that God has given me. It is a gift that the Holy Spirit empowers me to do.
It is like when Daniel interpreted dreams. He never took credit for doing it himself. He always gave the glory to God. He also didn’t interpret every dream that anyone had. He only interpreted those that God brought to him to interpret.
Ultimately this is the problem with gifts. If they are used in my strength, and really for my glory, I am going to have to bear the burden also. But, if I choose to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, doing what He leads me to do, and not taking on anything that has not been asked of me, my life is no longer a burden.
It is called faith, and as I learn to continue to walk in more of it, I find that it all comes down to not doing anything more than what the Lord has asked me to do.
His burden is light… So, when I choose to walk with Him I am not burdened, and I am not tired and exhausted. Instead, I spend more time writing. I spend more time with others, listening instead of talking. I let go of control and I choose to trust.
I allow God to be God and I just try to be the me that He created. I spend much more time following, and quit trying to be the leader.
I rest way more, and I receive peace that this world can never offer.
I have experienced this a few times in my life. It is the greatest feeling I have ever experienced.
So what am I to do to enjoy life, to stop trying to fix the world’s problems, and to relax?
I have to let go of control. I have to relax and enjoy the amazing blessings that God has given me. I have to stop being God’s answer to the world’s problems. Because… I am not, and He is.
This all comes down to surrender! It all comes down to faith, as all things do.
So I am going to learn to let go of other people’s problems. I am going to learn to follow better, and learn to rest more.
Since my natural tendency is to fix. I am going to learn to be very choosy about where I get involved. I am choosing to not worry about what people think or do. I am choosing to not worry about everything that seems to be going wrong.
I am going to believe this very powerful verse.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
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