Being OK With It

For someone whose passion is "helping people find their way", it's very discouraging to me at times to interact with people that I cannot help. Not because I don't want to, but because they don't see their need for me to help them.

OK, that sounded extremely arrogant. Let me try again.

I'm always amazed when I talk with someone and it appears that every aspect of their life is so neat and tidy. Like a bunk in a marine barrack, you could bounce a quarter off of them because nothing is out of place. No wrinkles, no bulges, no worries.

On the other side, you have those that can't seem to find anything good about their lives. They fail to see where they have experienced blessing and joy because they are so consumed with what is not going well for them.

Selfishly, the latter group is easier for me to deal with. I can at least draw them to consider the positive points of their life and history. Help them see past the adversity to the triumphs.

The former group is much tougher for me. Maybe it's because I think that their disease may be worse. They may actually be the ones that are hurting the most, but are too fearful to let down their guard and share what really scares them and challenges them.

Of course, this level of vulnerability, due to its danger, only comes through close, trusted relationships. Ones I hope that I am worthy of having.

Or my passion is only empty words.