Control over our lives is an illusion. It may seem that we have control over many things, until these are put to true tests. We have influence, but not control.
On the other hand, there is something that we can all control, but only after a prerequisite has been met. In agreement with Viktor Frankl, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.” Our last freedom, which no man can take from us, is the perspective and attitude we choose to have toward our situation and existence. Your life is not determined by the things that happen to you; it is determined by how you respond to those things.
Viktor Frankl teaches this principle by telling the story of how he survived and endured unimaginable tragedies during the Holocaust. He observed that the people who survived the concentration camps did not allow their terrible suffering to rob them of their inner freedom.
Our choice of attitude in any circumstance is the last freedom that cannot be taken. However, it seems that a prerequisite is needed for such control. To be able to choose an attitude of unshaken faith and courage in the face of suffering, the ego (with its desires and attachments) must humble itself, knowing it can control nothing else. And if the individual ego will humble itself, letting go of its pride, expectations, and desires, accepting the circumstance as it is, then it will be able to choose a new attitude. If a humble and faith-filled perspective is chosen, the inner strength of Grace will carry you through the suffering.
A free individual is one who holds on to nothing, and accepts everything. This is humility, this is contentment, this is wisdom. This is how one can live in the Grace and blessing of God.
Very true perspective.