Beautiful, Doug;
The recognition of this attribute of mine, that "controlling willfulness" is something that took me a very long time to recognize. As the mom of an addict, I wanted to protect my son. I didn't. I hurt him by interfering. When he could have been dealing with the consequences of his actions, I was "protecting" him.
You know, there are many times I say, "G*D, save me from those who want to protect me from myself."
I think I need to add..."Save others from my protection."
I'm learning...
Shalom!